English top flight: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another battle
A Manchester reunion could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle in west London after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill attention following a alleged £65m release clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a attacker with six finishes and three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky spot, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games in their last two matches after an promising opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but facing a backline without a clean sheet since August may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he is able to give me,” stated the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker position.” Gaining the final 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup if he manages to sustain his goalscoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has additional strikes over every other English footballer in the top flight this term having six and is anxious to increase that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side recently after five tough years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. Fulham's following four games feature three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine scores this season to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's team need a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from this position, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven of their upcoming ten league games facing sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action for a month having sustained a muscle issue during his second start over a short period in Europe triumph in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but sat out the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
