English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to dinking a cross toward the far 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 last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former scored for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column attention amid a reported £65m release clause for his potential winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable for a wide player who has six goals and three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an awkward position, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games over their past two matches following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit without a clean sheet since August might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the national team
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he can provide,” commented the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup provided he can continue his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally compared to any English performer in the Premier League this campaign with six and will be anxious to add to that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side last year after five tough years in north London, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four games take in three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals this season to date. Danger looms for the club that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's squad require a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from this position, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity arises with seven of their following ten league games versus sides presently in the lower half of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks following a groin injury while his second start in four days in continental competition victory abroad. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient