English top flight: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the former scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill treatment amid a claimed £65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the media positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable from a winger who has six finishes and three assists who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an tricky situation, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their last two fixtures following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa but confronting a backline lacking a shutout since August could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I understand what he can give me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes compared to any English performer in the top flight this season on six and will be eager to boost that count as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently after five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for the club that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's squad need a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from here, plus a significant improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven out of their upcoming ten league games versus teams at the moment in the lower half in the league. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin injury while his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League victory abroad. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
