English top flight: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation treatment amid a reported £65m escape clause for a possible mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side are in an difficult position, having undergone a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate over their last two fixtures following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa however confronting a defence lacking a goalless game since August might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he can provide,” commented the England manager. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional centre-forward role.” Gaining the final 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup assuming he can continue his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals than any other English performer in England's top division this campaign with six and remains eager to increase that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back required as assist provider and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for The striker to perform for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's squad need a sustained recovery to enter the title race from this position, as well as a major boost in performance, and a chance presents itself with seven of their upcoming ten league games versus sides at the moment in the lower half in the league. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display against long balls and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent at club level over four weeks having sustained a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe win abroad. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
