Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend

Garnacho versus Walker set for another clash

Another northwest showdown may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his skills against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before chipping a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the former found the net for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.

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

2. Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' decline

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill attention amid a reported £65m release clause for a prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable for a attacker with six finishes plus three assists and remains delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an tricky position, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined in their past two fixtures after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however taking on a backline without a shutout since August may prove the ideal tonic.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock

The striker an outside choice for the national team

It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup provided he can continue his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes than any other English performer in the top flight this season on six and will be anxious to boost that tally as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm

4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer

Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team recently after five tough years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four games include three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the league this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds

The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's squad need a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from their current spot, along with a major boost in performance, and a chance arises with seven from their following ten league games against clubs at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent for his club for a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient