English top flight: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for another battle
Another northwest showdown may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his skills against Wolves before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before chipping a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column focus amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected from a winger who has six goals plus three setups who is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky spot, having undergone a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their past two fixtures following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I know what he is able to offer me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup if he is able to continue his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes compared to any English player in England's top division this term having six and is eager to boost that count when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team recently after five difficult years in north London, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three among the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from their current spot, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches versus sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing direct play and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent at club level for a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition win in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
