English top flight: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for another battle
A Manchester reunion may be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle in west London after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill treatment amid a claimed £65m release clause for a prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable from a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and is delightful to watch. However, his team find themselves in an tricky spot, experiencing a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games in their previous two games after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but taking on a defence lacking a shutout since August may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he can offer me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes compared to any English player in the top flight this term on six and is eager to add to that total when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered some warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his boyhood club recently after five challenging years in north London, is now a regular starter, driving down the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four fixtures include three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the league this season. Danger looms for a team that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad require a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides currently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in four days in Europe victory in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
