English top flight: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire gossip column focus amid a alleged £65m release clause for his potential mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected for a winger with six goals and three assists and remains joyous to watch. Still, his side are in an awkward position, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games over their past two matches following an impressive start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however facing a defence lacking a shutout since August may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker an outside shout for the Three Lions
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I know what he could give me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional striker role.” Earning the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he can maintain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this season having six and will be anxious to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side recently following five difficult years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four fixtures include three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine scores this season this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's team must have a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a major boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that remains in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played at club level over four weeks having sustained a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
