English top flight: ten highlights to watch for this matchday

1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another encounter

Another northwest showdown might be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his talents against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine netted for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.

Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)

The winger crucial to stopping Cherries' slump

Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill attention amid a reported £65m escape clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a winger who has six goals plus three setups and is joyous to watch. However, his side find themselves in an tricky situation, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games in their past two matches after an strong start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa yet facing a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game for months might be the best remedy.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

3. Welbeck a left-field option for England

It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause although the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he can offer me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional No 9 position.” Gaining 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 if he is able to sustain his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals than any other English performer in England's top division this season on six and will be keen to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

The full-back crucial as assist provider and goalscorer

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team recently following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock

The moment for The striker to perform for the Reds

The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from their current spot, as well as a significant improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven of their upcoming ten league games against teams at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus direct play and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks following a groin problem during his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe win in Germany. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient