English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another battle
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before dinking a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete gossip column focus due to a reported £65m escape clause for a potential winter exit, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a winger who has six finishes plus three assists who is joyous to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an awkward situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate in their past two matches following an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defence lacking a clean sheet for months may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for England
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break although the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I know what he can provide,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup if he is able to sustain his scoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals over every other English player in England's top division this campaign with six and is eager to add to that total as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back required as creator and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 following five tough years in north London, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's next four matches take in three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes this season this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's side require a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from here, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance arises with seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus teams currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus long balls and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action for a month following a muscle issue when making his second start in quick succession in Europe victory in Germany. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
