English top flight: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh battle
Another northwest showdown may be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle in west London following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before dinking a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus HĂžjlund, was a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill attention due to a claimed ÂŁ65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable from a winger with six finishes and three setups and is pleasurable to watch. However, his side find themselves in an difficult position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate over their past two fixtures following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi MartĂnez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit lacking a goalless game 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 surprise shout for the national team
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break although the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. âEven without having met him, I know what he could provide,â commented the England coach. âHe might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional striker role.â Gaining the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals over every other English performer in the Premier League this season with six and will be eager to increase that tally as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team recently following five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. RaĂșl JimĂ©nez, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes this season so far. Danger looms for a team that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance arises with seven from their next 10 league games against sides presently in the lower half in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus direct play and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent at club level in a month after picking up a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe triumph abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
