English top flight: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new clash
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine netted for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill treatment amid a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable for a wide player who has six goals and three assists who is joyous to watch. However, his team occupy an awkward situation, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games in their last two games after an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet taking on a defence lacking a goalless game since August may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I know what he could offer me,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional centre-forward position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes than any other English performer in the Premier League this season having six and remains keen to increase that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side recently following five tough years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad must have a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from their current spot, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity emerges as seven of their following ten Premier League matches versus clubs at the moment in the lower half in the league. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent for his club over four weeks following a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
