English top flight: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another encounter
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation attention following a claimed £65m escape clause for his possible winter exit, the media preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected for a attacker who has six goals and three setups and remains joyous to watch. Still, his team occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their last two fixtures following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however confronting a defence lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker an outside choice for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he can offer me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals than any other English footballer in England's top division this season having six and remains keen to boost that total when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club recently following five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four games take in three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the league this season. Danger looms for the club that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's side need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, plus a significant boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing teams currently in the lower half in the league. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played at club level for a month following a muscle issue during his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League win in Germany. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but sat out the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
