Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former netted for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill focus amid a claimed £65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an awkward position, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games over their last two fixtures following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa however confronting a defence without a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I know what he can offer me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes over every other English performer in the top flight this campaign having six and is eager to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team recently after five challenging years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' next four fixtures include three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores this season this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's side require a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from this position, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven of their following ten Premier League matches facing clubs presently in the lower half in the league. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against long balls and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
