English top flight: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before chipping a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill focus following a claimed £65m buyout clause for his potential January departure, the media positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected for a wide player with six goals plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an difficult spot, experiencing a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined over their past two matches following an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game for months might be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a left-field option for the Three Lions
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional No 9 role.” Having won the final 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally over every other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign with six and is anxious to add to that count when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered some warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four games take in three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals this season this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. The manager's squad need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a significant boost in performance, and a chance emerges as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing teams presently in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against direct play and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second start in quick succession in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but sat out the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
