English top flight: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another clash
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet in west London following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before lofting a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column attention following a alleged £65m release clause for a prospective January departure, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. However, his team occupy an awkward situation, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their previous two matches following an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a backline lacking a shutout since August could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break although the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup provided he can maintain his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this campaign having six and remains anxious to increase that total when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team last year following five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' next four games take in three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals in the league to date. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's team need a sustained recovery to enter the title race from this position, plus a major improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven of their following ten league games facing teams at the moment in the lower half in the league. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured at club level for a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
