English top flight: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new battle
A Manchester reunion might be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus HΓΈjlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill treatment due to a alleged Β£65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an awkward position, experiencing a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined over their past two matches after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi MartΓnez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a backline lacking a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker an outside shout for England
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. βEven without knowing him, I know what he is able to provide,β said the England coach. βHe could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional striker position.β Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign on six and is anxious to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some positivity to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently following five tough years in north London, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for the club that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's squad must have a consistent improvement to enter the title race from their current spot, as well as a significant improvement in form, and a chance arises as seven out of their following ten league games facing teams presently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus long balls and counterattacks that remains in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue during his second start in quick succession in Europe win abroad. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient