English top flight: 10 things to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new clash
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster netted for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
The winger crucial to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation attention due to a alleged £65m buyout clause for a prospective winter exit, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and is delightful to watch. However, his team occupy an difficult position, having undergone a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games over their last two fixtures following an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a backline without a shutout for months might be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside option for England
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I know what he is able to give me,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional centre-forward position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he is able to continue his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals than any other English footballer in the top flight this campaign with six and will be eager to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his former side last year after five tough years in north London, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine scores in the league to date. Danger looms for the club that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's squad require a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance arises with seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing clubs at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played at club level over four weeks following a muscle issue during his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe victory abroad. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
