English top flight: ten key points to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities against Wolves before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former scored for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column attention following a reported £65m release clause for a possible January departure, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected for a winger with six finishes and three helpers who is joyous to watch. However, his side are in an difficult spot, having undergone a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games over their past two fixtures after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defence without a goalless game for months may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a left-field option for England
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I understand what he can provide,” commented the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup provided he can sustain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this term with six and remains eager to add to that total when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team recently after five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's upcoming four games take in three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores this season to date. A threat emerges for a side that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's side require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from their current spot, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance emerges as seven out of their next 10 league games facing sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus long balls and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured at club level in a month after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe victory abroad. He reappeared as a substitute in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
