Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend

Garnacho versus Walker set for another battle

A Manchester reunion might be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster netted for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.

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

The winger key to halting Cherries' slide

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation attention following a claimed £65m escape clause for his possible mid-season move, the media positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable for a attacker who has six finishes plus three setups and is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an tricky spot, having engaged in a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games in their last two fixtures following an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but facing a defence lacking a shutout since August may prove the perfect remedy.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock

3. Welbeck a left-field choice for the Three Lions

It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I understand what he could give me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the final 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to continue his scoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals over every other English performer in the Premier League this season with six and remains anxious to boost that total as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM

4. Sessegnon required as creator and scorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club recently following five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, operating on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures take in three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals this season this season. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock

5. Time for The striker to perform for the Merseyside club

The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team must have a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from here, plus a significant boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven from their upcoming ten league games facing clubs at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus long balls and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured at club level for a month having sustained a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe win in Germany. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient