English top flight: 10 things to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his skills against Wolves before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to lofting a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation treatment due to a reported £65m escape clause for his potential mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected for a winger with six goals plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. However, his team occupy an difficult situation, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their previous two fixtures after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defence lacking a shutout for months may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the national team
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I know what he could offer me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes compared to any English player in the top flight this season with six and remains keen to add to that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team last year after five challenging years in north London, has become a regular starter, driving down the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes in the league so far. Danger looms for a side that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's squad require a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from this position, plus a major upturn in results, and the possibility arises with seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing sides presently in the lower half in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and fast breaks that remains in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The £125m striker has not played for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe victory in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient