English top flight: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus following a claimed £65m release clause for a potential winter exit, the media preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable for a wide player who has six finishes plus three assists and is delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward situation, experiencing a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined over their past two fixtures following an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit without a shutout for months might be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside option for England
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” stated the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can maintain his goal-getting feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals than any other English performer in England's top division this term on six and is anxious to increase that count as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back crucial as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five difficult years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's next four matches feature three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the league so far. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's team need a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from this position, as well as a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven of their following ten league games against clubs presently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
