English top flight: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
A Manchester reunion may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before chipping a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation focus amid a reported £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected from a winger who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and is joyous to watch. However, his team are in an awkward spot, having undergone a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games in their previous two games after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa but taking on a defensive unit without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a left-field shout for the national team
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox striker role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can continue his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes than any other English player in the top flight this campaign with six and will be anxious to increase that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered some comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year following five tough years at Tottenham, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four fixtures take in three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the league so far. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for The striker to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's squad require a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance arises as seven of their next 10 Premier League matches versus clubs currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus aerial passes and counterattacks that is in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action for a month following a groin problem while his second start in four days in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient