English top flight: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before lofting a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the former scored for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill focus amid a reported £65m escape clause for his possible winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three assists and remains delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an awkward situation, experiencing a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their past two games after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however taking on a backline lacking a clean sheet for months could be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he could give me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he can continue his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English performer in England's top division this campaign having six and is eager to add to that count as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back required as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team last year following five tough years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four games take in three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes this season this season. Danger looms for the club that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's team need a sustained recovery to enter the title race from here, plus a significant improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their upcoming ten league games facing sides at the moment in the lower half of the table. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent for his club for a month after picking up a groin problem during his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition victory in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game could have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
