English top flight: ten highlights to watch for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another clash
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well in west London following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before dinking a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former netted for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column attention due to a reported £65m release clause for a possible winter exit, the media positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected for a attacker with six goals and three setups who is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an difficult spot, having undergone a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined over their past two fixtures following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout for months might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field option for England
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I know what he is able to offer me,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals over every other English performer in the Premier League this campaign on six and will be anxious to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team last year after five tough years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four matches take in three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals in the league to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from this position, plus a significant boost in performance, and a chance arises as seven from their next 10 league games versus clubs presently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing versus long balls and fast breaks that is in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not played at club level for a month following a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
