English top flight: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine scored for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill focus amid a reported £65m escape clause for a prospective January departure, the media setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable from a winger who has six finishes plus three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined over their past two fixtures following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defence without a shutout since August may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a left-field shout for the national team
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” commented the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional centre-forward role.” Earning the final 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes compared to any English performer in the Premier League this season with six and will be anxious to add to that count as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team recently after five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, operating on the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four games take in three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes this season this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad need a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from this position, plus a significant upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their next 10 league games facing teams presently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display against direct play and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin injury while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition victory abroad. The striker came back off the bench in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
