English top flight: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former netted for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
The winger key to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill treatment amid a reported £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is delightful to watch. However, his side occupy an tricky position, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their last two matches after an strong start to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defence without a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a left-field shout for the national team
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he could provide,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional striker position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup if he is able to sustain his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally over every other English performer in England's top division this term on six and will be keen to boost that total when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team last year after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches take in three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the league so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's side must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a significant upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven out of their upcoming ten league games against teams presently in the lower half in the league. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue during his second start in four days in the Champions League victory in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
