Premier division: 10 things to look out for this weekend

1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new battle

Another northwest showdown could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)

2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill attention following a claimed £65m buyout clause for his potential January departure, the media setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is to be expected for a attacker with six finishes plus three setups who is joyous to watch. Still, his side occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate in their past two games following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa but taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal solution.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock

The striker a surprise choice for the Three Lions

It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup if he can continue his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals over every other English performer in the top flight this campaign having six and will be anxious to add to that count as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm

The full-back required as creator and finisher

Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club recently following five difficult years in north London, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. Fulham's following four games include three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the league to date. Danger looms for the club that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock

The moment for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club

The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's squad must have a consistent improvement to enter the title race from here, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility emerges as seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has not played at club level over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but sat out the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient