English top flight: 10 things to watch for this weekend


1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new encounter

Another northwest showdown could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former found the net for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.

Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)


2. Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slide

Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column focus amid a alleged ÂŁ65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a winger with six finishes and three assists and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an awkward spot, experiencing a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their previous two matches after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi MartĂ­nez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August may prove the best solution.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm


Danny Welbeck a left-field option for England

It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I know what he is able to offer me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup if he manages to maintain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes over every other English performer in the top flight this campaign with six and will be eager to boost that tally as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM


Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team last year following five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's next four matches feature three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a standing for mid-table stability.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM


5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds

The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from their current spot, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance arises with seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures against clubs at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against direct play and quick transitions that remains in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second start over a short period in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient

Leslie Tyler
Leslie Tyler

A digital strategist and tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering global innovations and market developments.