English top flight: ten key points to watch for this matchday

1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh clash

Another northwest showdown may be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well in west London after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to dinking a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the former scored for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.

Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)

Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's decline

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable from a attacker who has six finishes and three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an difficult spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate in their previous two fixtures after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defence without a shutout for months could be the best solution.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock

Danny Welbeck a left-field option for England

It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could provide,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional No 9 role.” Having won the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he can sustain his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals compared to any English player in England's top division this season with six and will be keen to add to that tally as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm

The full-back required as creator and goalscorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side recently after five difficult years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock

The occasion for The striker to produce for Liverpool

The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from this position, plus a significant boost in performance, and a chance arises with seven of their upcoming ten league games against sides currently in the lower half of the table. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured for his club for a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe triumph in Germany. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient