Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for another encounter
A Manchester reunion may be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before chipping a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former scored for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete gossip column attention following a reported £65m escape clause for a potential mid-season move, the media setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a wide player who has six goals plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an awkward situation, having undergone a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their past two fixtures after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but taking on a backline lacking a shutout since August could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he can offer me,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional No 9 position.” Having won the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his scoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this term on six and will be eager to boost that count as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back required as creator and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team last year after five challenging years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures feature three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals this season so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's team need a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from this position, plus a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility arises with seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing sides presently in the lower half of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent at club level in a month having sustained a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. The striker came back off the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
