English top flight: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new battle
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities against Wolves before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete gossip column focus due to a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible winter exit, the media setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes and three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an awkward position, experiencing a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their last two matches after an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however taking on a defence that hasn't kept a shutout since August could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside choice for the national team
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he could provide,” stated the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox striker position.” Having won the last of his 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes compared to any English performer in England's top division this season having six and is keen to boost that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side recently after five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals this season this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's team must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from here, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their following ten league games versus clubs presently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display against direct play and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action for a month following a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
