Premier division: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Walker faces Garnacho ready for another encounter

Another northwest showdown might be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his skills against Wolves before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

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

Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slide

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill treatment amid a alleged £65m escape clause for his possible mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. However, his team are in an difficult spot, having undergone a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games over their past two matches after an promising start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa but taking on a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game since August could be the ideal remedy.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM

The striker a left-field choice for the national team

It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could offer me,” stated the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he can maintain his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has additional strikes compared to any English performer in England's top division this term on six and remains keen to increase that total when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm

The full-back needed as playmaker and goalscorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five tough years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, operating on the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM

The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds

The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad need a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from here, as well as a significant improvement in form, and opportunity emerges as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches against sides at the moment in the lower half in the league. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing long balls and quick transitions that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a groin injury during his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient