Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend

Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh clash

A Mancunian rematch could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)

Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slump

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column attention due to a claimed £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable from a attacker with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Still, his team occupy an awkward spot, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their previous two games following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August could be the ideal tonic.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team

It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window even though the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he can provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional centre-forward role.” Gaining the final 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes over every other English player in England's top division this season with six and will be keen to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and goalscorer

Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side last year after five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. Fulham's next four matches feature three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals this season to date. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock

The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club

The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from here, plus a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance arises with seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures against sides presently in the bottom half of the table. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and quick transitions that remains in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin injury while his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League triumph abroad. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient