English top flight: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle in west London after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to dinking a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill focus due to a reported £65m release clause for his possible January departure, the media preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side are in an tricky spot, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate in their previous two fixtures following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however taking on a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside shout for England
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he can provide,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup if he is able to continue his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this term having six and remains eager to add to that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back required as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered some positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team recently after five tough years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, operating on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures take in three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores this season this season. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The coach's side need a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from their current spot, as well as a significant upturn in results, and a chance arises as seven from their next 10 league games against clubs presently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing versus direct play and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played for his club in a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition win in Germany. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
