English top flight: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new battle
Another northwest showdown might be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the former netted for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation treatment due to a reported £65m buyout clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable from a winger who has six goals and three assists and remains delightful to watch. However, his side find themselves in an awkward position, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two matches following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however facing a backline without a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker an outside shout for England
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I know what he could give me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes over every other English player in the Premier League this season having six and remains keen to increase that count as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back crucial as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team recently following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches include three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a side that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's side must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a major boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven from their next 10 league games against teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action in a month after picking up a groin injury while his second start in quick succession in the Champions League victory in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient