English top flight: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
A Mancunian rematch might be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger crucial to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment due to a reported £65m escape clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected from a winger who has six goals plus three setups and is delightful to watch. However, his team are in an awkward spot, having undergone a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate over their previous two matches following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker a surprise choice for England
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English performer in the Premier League this term having six and is anxious to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club recently after five tough years in north London, is now a regular starter, driving down the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. Fulham's next four matches include three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's side must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from here, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity arises as seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus clubs at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against direct play and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action in a month having sustained a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition victory abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
