English top flight: 10 things to watch for this matchday

1. Garnacho and Walker set for another battle

A Manchester reunion may be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities against Wolves prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before dinking a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster scored for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.

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

2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column treatment following a claimed £65m escape clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable for a attacker with six finishes plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an awkward situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games in their past two fixtures following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defensive unit lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the best solution.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions

It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window although the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English footballer in England's top division this campaign with six and will be keen to boost that total as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock

The full-back crucial as playmaker and scorer

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side last year after five tough years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, operating on the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four fixtures take in three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Reds

The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side must have a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from here, as well as a major boost in performance, and a chance arises with seven out of their next 10 league games facing sides presently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not played for his club in a month following a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League victory in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient