English top flight: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho poised for another clash
A Manchester reunion could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle in west London following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former netted for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column treatment due to a alleged ÂŁ65m escape clause for a potential winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable for a wide player with six finishes plus three helpers who is delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an tricky position, having undergone a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their past two matches after an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi MartĂnez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit without a shutout for months may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for England
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he could give me,” said the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup if he manages to maintain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has additional strikes over every other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign having six and will be eager to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his boyhood club recently after five tough years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, driving down the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. Fulham's next four fixtures feature three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for The striker to produce for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad need a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from this position, along with a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises as seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures against clubs at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus long balls and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured for his club in a month after picking up a groin injury while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
