English top flight: ten highlights to keep an eye on this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet in west London following his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the former scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation treatment following a claimed £65m escape clause for a prospective January departure, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected for a winger with six finishes plus three setups who is delightful to watch. However, his side occupy an tricky position, experiencing a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate in their last two matches after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the final 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals over every other English footballer in England's top division this campaign having six and is keen to add to that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team recently after five tough years in north London, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. Fulham's following four games take in three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from here, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven of their next 10 league games facing teams presently in the lower half in the league. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not played at club level in a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second start in four days in Europe triumph abroad. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
