English top flight: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another battle
A Manchester reunion might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well in west London after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a delivery toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the former netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation treatment following a alleged £65m escape clause for his potential mid-season move, the media positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an tricky situation, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their past two fixtures after an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet facing a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he is able to provide,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup if he manages to continue his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this season on six and is anxious to boost that total as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team last year following five challenging years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches take in three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes in the league this season. Danger looms for a side that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's team require a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance arises as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches against sides presently in the lower half of the table. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin injury while his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
