English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well in west London following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column attention amid a alleged £65m escape clause for his potential winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable from a winger who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and is joyous to watch. Still, his side are in an tricky situation, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined in their previous two fixtures following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet facing a backline lacking a clean sheet since August might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for the national team
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he can offer me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this season on six and is keen to add to that total as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back needed as assist provider and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club last year after five tough years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's next four matches feature three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals this season to date. A threat emerges for a team that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's team must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from here, along with a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven out of their next 10 league games versus teams currently in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and counterattacks that will be in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in four days in Europe victory in Germany. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient