English top flight: ten key points to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill attention due to a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable from a attacker with six finishes plus three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, his side occupy an awkward situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their last two matches following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a surprise choice for the national team
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he could offer me,” commented the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional No 9 role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup if he is able to maintain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals than any other English player in the top flight this campaign with six and remains anxious to add to that total when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side last year following five tough years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, driving down the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. The Cottagers' following four games feature three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the league this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad require a consistent improvement to enter the league contest from this position, as well as a significant improvement in form, and the possibility emerges with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing teams presently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin problem while his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
