English top flight: 10 things to watch for this weekend

Walker faces Garnacho ready for another battle

A Manchester reunion could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former netted for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)

2. Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slide

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column focus amid a reported £65m escape clause for a potential January departure, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a attacker with a half-dozen strikes and three setups who is delightful to watch. Still, his side are in an difficult situation, experiencing a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games over their last two games after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a defence lacking a shutout for months may prove the best remedy.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm

Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions

It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I know what he can offer me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals compared to any English player in the Premier League this term having six and is keen to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

The full-back required as assist provider and finisher

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team last year following five challenging years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine scores this season to date. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club

The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing sides at the moment in the lower half of the table. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus long balls and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin injury while his second start over a short period in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but sat out the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient