Premier League: ten key points to watch for this weekend

Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new battle

A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well with Chelsea after his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before dinking a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster netted for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.

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

2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slump

Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill treatment due to a claimed £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable for a attacker who has six finishes and three assists who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team are in an tricky situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their last two matches following an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a backline without a goalless game since August could be the perfect tonic.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock

Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions

It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I know what he could offer me,” stated the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this term having six and will be keen to increase that total as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm

The full-back needed as assist provider and goalscorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year following five challenging years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. Fulham's next four matches take in three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a team that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm

The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds

The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, along with a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing sides at the moment in the lower half of the table. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against direct play and fast breaks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent for his club for a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient