English top flight: 10 things to watch for this weekend


Walker faces Garnacho poised for another battle

Another northwest showdown might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before chipping a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus HĂžjlund, served as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster netted for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.

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


The winger crucial to ending Bournemouth's slide

Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill focus due to a reported ÂŁ65m escape clause for a prospective winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is delightful to watch. However, his team are in an awkward position, experiencing a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games over their previous two fixtures after an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi MartĂ­nez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa however facing a defence lacking a goalless game for months could be the best remedy.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM


3. Welbeck an outside shout for England

It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I know what he could provide,” said the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup if he can continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English performer in England's top division this campaign with six and is anxious to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock


Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who came back to his youth team last year following five difficult years in north London, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. RaĂșl JimĂ©nez, their leading man last season, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four games feature three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM


The occasion for Isak to produce for Liverpool

The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's side require a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from this position, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches against teams presently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured at club level over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. The striker came back off the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient

Brett Roy
Brett Roy

A cultural historian and travel writer with a passion for uncovering hidden gems across Britain's diverse landscapes and traditions.