English top flight: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho set for another clash
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
The winger crucial to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill focus due to a reported ÂŁ65m escape clause for a potential winter exit, the media positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected for a winger with six goals plus three setups and is joyous to watch. Still, his team occupy an awkward situation, having undergone a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate over their past two matches after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi MartĂnez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit without a shutout for months may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for the national team
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he can give me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup if he is able to continue his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally than any other English player in England's top division this season having six and remains anxious to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year following five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' next four games take in three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the league this season. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's team need a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance arises with seven from their following ten league games versus teams presently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and counterattacks that remains in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The ÂŁ125m striker has not featured for his club for a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second start over a short period in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
