English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to chipping a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the former scored for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation attention amid a reported £65m release clause for a prospective winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable from a winger with six goals plus three assists and remains delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an difficult spot, having engaged in a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games in their last two games following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however taking on a backline without a clean sheet for months might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the national team
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he is able to give me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional centre-forward role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup if he manages to continue his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals compared to any English footballer in England's top division this season with six and remains anxious to increase that total as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team recently following five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. Fulham's next four fixtures include three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the league to date. Danger looms for a team that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's team require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from here, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility emerges with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides currently in the lower half of the table. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus direct play and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent at club level in a month following a groin injury when making his second start over a short period in Europe triumph abroad. He reappeared as a substitute in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
