English top flight: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Garnacho versus Walker set for a new battle

A Manchester reunion could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)

2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's decline

Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column attention amid a reported £65m escape clause for his possible winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable for a winger with six goals plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an difficult position, experiencing a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate in their last two fixtures following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the best remedy.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock

3. Welbeck a left-field shout for England

It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he could give me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox centre-forward position.” Gaining the final 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals than any other English performer in the Premier League this season with six and remains anxious to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM

The full-back needed as playmaker and goalscorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team last year following five difficult years in north London, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four matches take in three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes this season so far. A threat emerges for the club that have built a name for mid-table stability.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM

5. Time for Isak to perform for the Reds

The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's side need a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from this position, as well as a major improvement in form, and a chance emerges with seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus sides at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display against direct play and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent at club level in a month following a muscle issue when making his second start in four days in continental competition victory in Germany. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card in that match would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient