English top flight: ten highlights to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill treatment following a reported ÂŁ65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable from a winger who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward situation, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one combined over their last two matches following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi MartĂnez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet facing a backline without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I know what he could offer me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he can continue his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals compared to any English player in England's top division this campaign with six and is eager to increase that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side last year after five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' next four matches include three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the league to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's side need a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from this position, along with a major upturn in results, and the possibility emerges with seven from their following ten Premier League matches facing sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and quick transitions that remains in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent at club level in a month following a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient