English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new clash
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well in west London following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before chipping a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column focus amid a claimed £65m escape clause for his possible winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected from a winger who has six goals plus three assists who is delightful to watch. Still, his side are in an awkward situation, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games in their past two fixtures following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a defence without a shutout since August might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” said the England manager. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox centre-forward role.” Gaining the final 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup if he can continue his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes over every other English player in the top flight this campaign with six and will be anxious to add to that count as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side recently after five challenging years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, driving down the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes this season so far. Danger looms for the club that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to perform for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's team need a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a major boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself as seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures versus teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not played for his club for a month having sustained a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
