English top flight: 10 things to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea following his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his skills in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
The winger vital to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill focus due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for his prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable from a attacker who has six finishes plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side occupy an difficult situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate over their previous two matches after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa however confronting a backline without a shutout for months may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a left-field shout for the national team
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he can provide,” commented the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional No 9 role.” Gaining the final 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup if he manages to sustain his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals compared to any English performer in the top flight this campaign with six and remains anxious to boost that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year following five difficult years in north London, is now a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine scores in the league to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's squad must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from this position, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and opportunity arises as seven of their following ten Premier League matches facing clubs presently in the lower half of the table. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action for a month following a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start in four days in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game might have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
