English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to chipping a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column focus due to a reported £65m escape clause for his potential January departure, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable for a winger who has six finishes plus three setups and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an difficult situation, experiencing a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate over their past two fixtures following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout for months may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could offer me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the final 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally over every other English footballer in England's top division this season having six and is eager to increase that count as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his boyhood club recently following five tough years in north London, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the league this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a major improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their upcoming ten league games versus sides currently in the lower half of the table. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against direct play and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played at club level in a month after picking up a muscle issue when making his second start over a short period in continental competition win in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
