English top flight: ten key points to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation focus amid a alleged £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the media positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three assists and is joyous to watch. However, his side are in an awkward position, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate in their previous two fixtures following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however confronting a defence without a shutout since August might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the national team
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I know what he can offer me,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox No 9 role.” Gaining the final 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally than any other English player in the top flight this term on six and remains eager to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side recently after five tough years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four games include three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes this season to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side need a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from here, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven of their next 10 league games against clubs currently in the bottom half in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and fast breaks that remains in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action for a month having sustained a muscle issue while his second start in four days in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
