English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus HĂžjlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill attention amid a reported ÂŁ65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable from a winger who has six finishes plus three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward situation, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined over their last two fixtures following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi MartĂnez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet confronting a backline lacking a clean sheet since August may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise option for England
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. âWithout even having met him, I understand what he could provide,â said the England manager. âHe could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker role.â Gaining the final 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals over every other English performer in the top flight this term having six and remains keen to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 after five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. RaĂșl JimĂ©nez, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores in the league so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's side need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from here, along with a significant upturn in results, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches versus clubs presently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against direct play and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action in a month after picking up a groin problem during his second start in quick succession in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his readiness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card in that match might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
