Premier division: ten key points to watch for this weekend

Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh clash

A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea after his summer move from Manchester United and demonstrated his skills against Wolves before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine netted for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.

Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)

Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slump

Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column attention following a reported £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the media setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable from a attacker with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains delightful to watch. However, his team occupy an tricky position, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their last two fixtures after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however confronting a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal solution.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm

Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions

It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he could offer me,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional No 9 position.” Having won the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can sustain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally compared to any English player in England's top division this term with six and is anxious to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm

Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 after five tough years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' following four matches include three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the league this season. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds

The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's squad require a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from their current spot, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance arises with seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus clubs currently in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action in a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second start in quick succession in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient