English top flight: ten highlights to watch for this matchday

Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new encounter

A Manchester reunion could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet in west London after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? During the former found the net for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.

Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)

Antoine Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slump

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m escape clause for a prospective January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three setups and is joyous to watch. Still, his team are in an difficult situation, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games over their previous two fixtures following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet taking on a backline without a shutout for months could be the perfect solution.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

The striker an outside choice for the Three Lions

It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I understand what he is able to provide,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he can continue his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this term having six and is eager to add to that total when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm

4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side recently following five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures take in three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine strikes in the league to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

The occasion for Isak to deliver for Liverpool

The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's side need a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from this position, along with a major boost in performance, and the possibility arises as seven of their following ten Premier League matches versus clubs currently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display against aerial passes and quick transitions that will be in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action for a month following a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition victory in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient