English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another clash
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to chipping a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former netted for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill treatment following a reported £65m escape clause for his possible winter exit, the media setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, his team are in an difficult situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate in their previous two matches following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet facing a defence without a goalless game for months may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally over every other English footballer in England's top division this season with six and will be eager to increase that total when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side recently after five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four fixtures take in three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes in the league this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's side need a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from their current spot, along with a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises as seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus teams presently in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that remains in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured for his club for a month following a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League win abroad. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
