English top flight: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another battle
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus due to a reported £65m escape clause for a prospective winter exit, the media preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable from a winger with six finishes and three assists and is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their past two games following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but facing a defence lacking a shutout since August could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for the national team
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he can provide,” stated the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox No 9 role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup if he is able to maintain his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally compared to any English player in the top flight this term on six and is anxious to increase that total as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team recently after five challenging years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for The striker to perform for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from here, plus a major boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself as seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing clubs presently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and quick transitions that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has not played at club level for a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second start in four days in continental competition win in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game could have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
