English top flight: ten highlights to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another battle
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before dinking a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster netted for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation focus due to a claimed £65m escape clause for his prospective January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable from a attacker who has six finishes plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an awkward situation, having engaged in a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate over their previous two games following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a defence without a shutout for months may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for England
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I know what he could offer me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional No 9 position.” Gaining the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this campaign on six and remains keen to boost that total as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back crucial as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who returned to his former side recently following five challenging years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches feature three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine scores this season so far. Danger looms for the club that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's team must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a major improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself with seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing teams presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured at club level over four weeks following a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
