English top flight: ten key points to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for another clash
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill treatment due to a alleged £65m escape clause for a possible winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is to be expected for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes and three assists and is delightful to watch. However, his side are in an awkward situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate over their past two games after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defence lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for the national team
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he could offer me,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the final 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally than any other English player in England's top division this campaign with six and is anxious to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team recently following five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four fixtures include three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine scores in the league to date. Danger looms for the club that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's side need a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from their current spot, along with a major improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their following ten Premier League matches versus sides at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured for his club in a month having sustained a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe win in Germany. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
