English top flight: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new battle

A Manchester reunion could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents against Wolves before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the former netted for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.

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

The winger crucial to ending Cherries' slump

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column attention due to a reported £65m escape clause for his possible winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is to be expected from a attacker who has six finishes plus three assists and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky situation, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate over their previous two matches following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but taking on a defence without a clean sheet for months might be the perfect solution.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock

The striker a surprise option for the national team

It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional striker position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup if he is able to continue his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally compared to any English player in the top flight this term on six and will be anxious to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm

4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 after five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock

The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club

The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad need a consistent improvement to enter the title race from this position, along with a significant improvement in form, and a chance arises as seven of their following ten league games facing teams presently in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent for his club in a month following a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League triumph in Germany. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient