English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before lofting a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former scored for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill attention amid a alleged £65m escape clause for his potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a attacker with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an difficult situation, experiencing a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games over their past two fixtures following an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet facing a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the national team
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I know what he is able to offer me,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he manages to continue his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals compared to any English footballer in England's top division this campaign having six and will be keen to boost that total as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side last year following five difficult years in north London, is now a regular starter, operating on the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four games include three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine scores in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for a team that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's side require a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from here, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity emerges as seven from their following ten league games facing teams currently in the bottom half in the league. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not played for his club in a month having sustained a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe win abroad. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
