English top flight: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion might be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine found the net for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation treatment amid a claimed £65m escape clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. However, his side occupy an awkward position, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate in their last two fixtures following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit without a goalless game since August may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break even though the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could provide,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he manages to continue his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals compared to any English footballer in the top flight this season on six and will be anxious to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team last year following five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's following four fixtures include three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals this season this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's team must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from here, as well as a significant boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself as seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures facing teams presently in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus aerial passes and counterattacks that is in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not played at club level over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition triumph abroad. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card in that match would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
