Premier division: ten highlights to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for another battle
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his talents against Wolves before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a flawless low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the former scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger crucial to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus amid a reported £65m release clause for a prospective January departure, the tabloids setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable from a winger who has six finishes and three assists and remains joyous to watch. However, his team occupy an difficult position, experiencing a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games over their last two fixtures following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to provide,” said the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional striker role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup provided he can sustain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes over every other English performer in the Premier League this term on six and remains eager to add to that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five tough years in north London, is now a regular starter, operating on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for a team that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's squad must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from this position, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity arises as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus sides currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus long balls and quick transitions that remains in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played for his club for a month having sustained a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition triumph abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
