English top flight: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another clash
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before lofting a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill attention due to a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains joyous to watch. However, his side find themselves in an awkward position, experiencing a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one over two games in their last two games following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I understand what he can provide,” stated the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional striker position.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goalscoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this campaign with six and will be keen to increase that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back required as assist provider and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club last year following five tough years in north London, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a team that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's squad need a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from here, as well as a major upturn in results, and the possibility emerges with seven of their upcoming ten league games versus teams presently in the lower half of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus direct play and fast breaks that is in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent at club level for a month following a groin problem while his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe win in Germany. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
