English top flight: ten highlights to look out for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for another clash
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well in west London after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger key to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete gossip column treatment following a reported ÂŁ65m release clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected from a winger with six finishes and three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games in their past two matches after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi MartĂnez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside option for England
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I know what he could offer me,” stated the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional No 9 role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup assuming he can sustain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has additional strikes over every other English player in the Premier League this season having six and will be anxious to boost that total as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side recently after five difficult years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. Fulham's next four games feature three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for The striker to produce for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's team need a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from here, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven out of their following ten league games against clubs presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against aerial passes and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The ÂŁ125m striker has not featured in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition victory in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
