English top flight: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another battle
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet in west London after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before lofting a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation treatment amid a claimed £65m release clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games in their last two matches after an strong start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for England
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he could offer me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional No 9 position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup provided he manages to continue his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes over every other English performer in the top flight this term on six and remains eager to increase that count when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his boyhood club recently following five tough years in north London, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four fixtures feature three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for The striker to perform for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's side must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from this position, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven of their next 10 league games against teams presently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing long balls and quick transitions that is in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played at club level in a month following a groin injury while his second start in quick succession in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
