English top flight: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for another clash
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before dinking a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster netted for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation focus due to a alleged £65m escape clause for his prospective mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable from a wide player with six finishes plus three assists and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth occupy an awkward position, having undergone a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their last two matches following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a backline lacking a goalless game since August may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for England
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I know what he can give me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional striker position.” Having won the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup provided he can sustain his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals over every other English performer in the Premier League this term having six and will be anxious to add to that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently following five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for the club that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's side need a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from this position, along with a major upturn in results, and a chance presents itself as seven from their following ten league games versus sides presently in the lower half of the table. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing direct play and quick transitions that remains in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent at club level in a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second start over a short period in Europe triumph in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
