English top flight: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new clash
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well in west London following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before dinking a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster scored for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger crucial to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill focus amid a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the media positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable for a attacker with six goals and three setups and remains joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth find themselves in an difficult spot, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined over their past two matches after an strong opening to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however confronting a backline without a goalless game for months may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a surprise option for England
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional No 9 position.” Earning the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he can maintain his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally compared to any English performer in the top flight this term with six and remains anxious to add to that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side recently following five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches feature three of the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from this position, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance emerges with seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing clubs at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and quick transitions that is in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played at club level in a month having sustained a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
