English top flight: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill treatment amid a alleged £65m escape clause for a prospective winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable from a wide player with six finishes and three assists who is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an awkward situation, experiencing a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one over two games over their last two games following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game for months may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the national team
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup if he manages to maintain his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this campaign having six and remains anxious to increase that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently after five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four games take in three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the league to date. A threat emerges for a team that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad require a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from this position, as well as a major improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself with seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches against teams at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus direct play and counterattacks that remains in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action in a month having sustained a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition victory in Germany. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
