Premier division: ten key points to look out for this weekend

Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh clash

A Manchester reunion may be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his skills against Wolves before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the youngster netted for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

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

Antoine Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's decline

Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill attention following a reported £65m buyout clause for a potential winter exit, the media positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. However, his side occupy an difficult spot, experiencing a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined over their last two games following an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit lacking a goalless game for months might be the best solution.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm

3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions

It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional No 9 position.” Gaining the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup if he can maintain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes than any other English performer in the Premier League this term with six and will be keen to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM

4. Sessegnon needed as creator and finisher

Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club last year after five difficult years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for the club that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock

The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool

The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's team require a consistent improvement to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance presents itself as seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures versus sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent at club level over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue during his second start over a short period in continental competition win in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient