English top flight: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well in west London after his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former scored for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column treatment amid a claimed ÂŁ65m escape clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable for a wide player who has six finishes plus three setups and is delightful to watch. However, his side occupy an difficult spot, having engaged in a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their last two fixtures after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi MartĂnez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit without a shutout since August may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside shout for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes over every other English player in the Premier League this term having six and is anxious to increase that count when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club recently following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he's also their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures feature three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's team must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance arises as seven out of their following ten top-flight fixtures against teams currently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing versus long balls and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League triumph abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
