English top flight: ten highlights to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new clash
A Manchester reunion could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle in west London after his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster scored for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column treatment following a reported £65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a winger with six finishes plus three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an tricky spot, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games over their previous two matches following an impressive start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet taking on a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he could offer me,” commented the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox centre-forward role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can continue his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals than any other English performer in England's top division this campaign with six and is eager to boost that total as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team last year after five challenging years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he's also their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures take in three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for a side that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's side must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself with seven from their following ten league games versus clubs at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against long balls and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured at club level for a month following a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph in Germany. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
