English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new encounter
A Manchester reunion might be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column attention following a reported £65m escape clause for his potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable from a winger who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an awkward situation, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two fixtures after an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a backline lacking a goalless game since August might be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for England
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he could provide,” stated the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup assuming he can maintain his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals over every other English footballer in the Premier League this season with six and remains keen to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side last year following five difficult years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches take in three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes this season so far. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's squad need a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity arises with seven from their following ten league games versus clubs currently in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent for his club for a month after picking up a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition triumph abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
