English top flight: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his talents against Wolves prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to lofting a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation attention due to a alleged £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected for a attacker with six goals plus three assists and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an tricky position, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two games after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa but confronting a defence without a goalless game since August could be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window although the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals compared to any English player in England's top division this term having six and is keen to increase that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club last year after five tough years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches take in three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's side require a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from here, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and the possibility arises with seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus teams presently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and quick transitions that is in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe victory in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
