English top flight: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new battle
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well in west London following his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill attention amid a alleged £65m escape clause for a potential January departure, the media positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected from a winger who has six finishes and three setups who is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an difficult spot, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games over their previous two fixtures following an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defence that hasn't kept a shutout since August may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker a left-field shout for England
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he can provide,” said the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can continue his goal-getting feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this season having six and is anxious to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side recently after five tough years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, driving down the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals in the league this season. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's squad must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from here, along with a significant boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their upcoming ten league games against sides currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that is in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured at club level over four weeks having sustained a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition victory abroad. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
