English top flight: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well in west London after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former found the net for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column treatment amid a reported £65m release clause for a prospective winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected from a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an difficult spot, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their previous two matches after an strong opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a backline that hasn't kept a shutout for months may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could give me,” stated the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup if he can continue his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals compared to any English player in England's top division this season having six and is eager to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team last year after five tough years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures take in three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team must have a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from here, as well as a significant boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven out of their next 10 league games facing clubs presently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent for his club over four weeks following a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win in Germany. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
