English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well in west London after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his abilities against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine scored for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger key to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column treatment following a claimed £65m escape clause for his potential January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable from a attacker with six goals and three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an awkward position, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate over their past two matches after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however taking on a backline lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window even though the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I understand what he can give me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this term having six and will be keen to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side in 2024 after five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes this season so far. Danger looms for a side that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's team must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a major upturn in results, and a chance emerges with seven out of their upcoming ten league games against clubs currently in the lower half in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against direct play and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action in a month following a muscle issue during his second start over a short period in continental competition win in Germany. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game might have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
