English top flight: ten key points to watch for this matchday

Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash

A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to chipping a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)

2. Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slump

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete gossip column treatment following a reported £65m escape clause for a prospective January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an tricky spot, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined in their previous two games following an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a defence that hasn't kept a shutout for months may prove the best tonic.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

3. Welbeck a surprise option for England

It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window even though the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he can offer me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward role.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup provided he can maintain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes than any other English footballer in the Premier League this season on six and remains eager to boost that tally as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm

Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team last year after five challenging years in north London, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool

The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's team require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from this position, as well as a major boost in performance, and a chance presents itself with seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus teams currently in the lower half in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action for a month after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition triumph in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to secure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient