English top flight: 10 things to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the former found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill attention due to a alleged £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected for a attacker with six finishes and three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an tricky situation, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games in their past two games following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa however taking on a backline lacking a goalless game since August might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to give me,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally over every other English footballer in England's top division this season having six and will be eager to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team last year after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four games include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the league so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's team must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from this position, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their upcoming ten league games against clubs at the moment in the lower half of the table. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action for a month having sustained a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe win abroad. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
