English top flight: ten highlights to look out for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for another encounter
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea after his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster netted for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill attention due to a reported £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected from a winger who has six finishes plus three setups and remains joyous to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an awkward spot, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their past two matches following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside option for the national team
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he can sustain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally over every other English player in England's top division this season on six and is eager to boost that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back crucial as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club recently after five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four matches feature three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores this season this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance arises as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against teams presently in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played at club level in a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second start over a short period in continental competition win abroad. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card in that match might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
