English top flight: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday

1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another encounter

A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to dinking a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.

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

2. Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's decline

Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column treatment due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and is joyous to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an tricky spot, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games over their last two matches following an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal remedy.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM

3. Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions

It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window although the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he can provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the last of his 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals over every other English footballer in the Premier League this term having six and will be anxious to boost that count as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM

4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and goalscorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team last year following five challenging years in north London, is now a regular starter, operating on the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four games include three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine strikes this season this season. Danger looms for a side that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

The occasion for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club

The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's team need a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures facing sides presently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against direct play and counterattacks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played at club level over four weeks having sustained a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe triumph abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient