Premier division: 10 things to look out for this matchday

Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh encounter

A Manchester reunion could be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before dinking a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former netted for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)

Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' slump

Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m release clause for a prospective mid-season move, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected from a attacker who has six goals and three assists and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an awkward spot, having undergone a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their previous two fixtures following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defence without a shutout since August could be the best solution.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

The striker a surprise option for the Three Lions

It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window even though the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to give me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals compared to any English footballer in the top flight this season having six and will be keen to boost that count as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock

4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, is now a regular starter, operating on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four games include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores in the league this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds

The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's side require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from here, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance emerges with seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing sides at the moment in the lower half in the league. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played at club level in a month after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League victory abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient