English top flight: ten key points to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from Manchester United and demonstrated his skills against Wolves before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger crucial to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire gossip column attention due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for his potential January departure, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable from a winger who has six finishes plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an difficult spot, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games over their past two matches following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit lacking a shutout for months could be the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a left-field option for the national team
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup if he is able to maintain his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this term with six and is anxious to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back needed as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side last year after five difficult years in north London, is now a regular starter, operating on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. Fulham's next four matches feature three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine scores in the league to date. Danger looms for the club that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to produce for Liverpool
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 a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's team need a consistent improvement to enter the league contest from this position, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing sides at the moment in the lower half of the table. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus direct play and quick transitions that is in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition victory in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
