English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before dinking a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former netted for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill attention due to a reported £65m escape clause for a prospective mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable from a attacker with six finishes and three setups and is pleasurable to watch. However, his side find themselves in an difficult spot, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games over their last two matches following an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet facing a backline without a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he can provide,” said the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox No 9 role.” Earning the final 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes over every other English performer in the Premier League this term having six and will be eager to add to that total when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club recently after five difficult years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four matches include three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the league to date. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's team must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a major upturn in results, and opportunity arises with seven of their next 10 league games against teams at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against long balls and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not played for his club in a month having sustained a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League triumph abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
