English top flight: 10 things to watch for this weekend

Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh clash

Another northwest showdown may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.

Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)

2. Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' decline

Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column focus following a alleged £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is to be expected for a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and is delightful to watch. Still, his team are in an tricky position, having undergone a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games over their past two games following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but confronting a backline lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal solution.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock

3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the national team

It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he can give me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional striker position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup if he is able to continue his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has additional strikes than any other English footballer in the Premier League this term with six and is eager to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock

4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer

Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently following five difficult years with Spurs, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four fixtures feature three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes this season so far. Danger looms for a team that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

The occasion for The striker to perform for the Reds

The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The coach's team require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from here, as well as a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven of their next 10 Premier League matches facing teams presently in the bottom half of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient