English top flight: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger has started to settle in west London following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his talents against Wolves before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before dinking a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger crucial to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation attention amid a reported £65m escape clause for his potential winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a attacker with six finishes plus three helpers and remains joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games over their previous two matches after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but facing a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet for months might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I know what he could offer me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional striker position.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he can sustain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals over every other English footballer in the top flight this term on six and will be anxious to add to that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back required as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year following five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals in the league this season. Danger looms for a team that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's squad require a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from this position, as well as a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing sides presently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and quick transitions that remains in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played in domestic action over four weeks following a muscle issue when making his second start over a short period in continental competition triumph abroad. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
