English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new clash
A Manchester reunion may be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before dinking a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column treatment amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for his prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected from a attacker who has six finishes and three helpers and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an tricky position, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games over their past two matches following an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however taking on a backline without a shutout since August could be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals than any other English performer in England's top division this season on six and will be anxious to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team recently following five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. Fulham's next four games feature three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores this season so far. Danger looms for a side that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's side need a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, plus a major upturn in results, and opportunity arises as seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures facing clubs presently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing direct play and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club for a month following a groin problem while his second start in four days in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
