English top flight: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new encounter
A Manchester reunion could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea following his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill treatment amid a alleged £65m escape clause for his potential mid-season move, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable for a attacker who has six finishes plus three assists and remains joyous to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an tricky situation, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate in their last two matches after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but confronting a backline without a shutout since August may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break even though the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I know what he can provide,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup if he manages to sustain his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals than any other English player in England's top division this term with six and will be anxious to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four fixtures include three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals in the league so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they fell to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's side require a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from this position, as well as a significant upturn in results, and opportunity arises with seven of their next 10 Premier League matches facing sides presently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display against aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a groin problem during his second start in four days in continental competition win in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
