English top flight: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea after his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents against Wolves prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected from a attacker who has six finishes plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. However, his team occupy an awkward position, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games in their last two matches after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa but taking on a defence without a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the national team
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I understand what he could provide,” said the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup if he manages to sustain his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals than any other English player in the top flight this term having six and remains keen to boost that total when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club recently after five tough years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a team that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The manager's squad require a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from this position, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility emerges with seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus teams currently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played at club level in a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition win in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
