English top flight: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new encounter
A Manchester reunion could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to dinking a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m escape clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes and three setups and remains joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an awkward situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined in their last two fixtures following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit without a shutout since August may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he can offer me,” commented the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional centre-forward role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup if he manages to continue his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals compared to any English footballer in the top flight this season on six and will be keen to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back crucial as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team last year following five difficult years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals this season so far. Danger looms for a team that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's team need a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance arises as seven of their following ten league games facing clubs currently in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a groin injury during his second start in quick succession in continental competition triumph abroad. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
