English top flight: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for another battle
Another northwest showdown might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before chipping a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column treatment following a alleged £65m escape clause for his prospective January departure, the media preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable for a attacker who has six finishes and three helpers and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an difficult situation, having undergone a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one combined in their previous two matches following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but confronting a backline without a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for England
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional No 9 position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup if he manages to maintain his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English player in England's top division this term on six and is anxious to increase that count when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club in 2024 after five challenging years in north London, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four games include three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for The striker to perform for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's side must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, along with a significant boost in performance, and a chance emerges as seven out of their next 10 league games against sides currently in the lower half in the league. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus long balls and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin injury while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition victory in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
