English top flight: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday

Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh clash

A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

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

Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' decline

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column focus amid a reported £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a winger who has six goals plus three assists and is pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an awkward spot, experiencing a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their last two fixtures after an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet facing a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game since August could be the best tonic.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock

3. Welbeck a left-field option for England

It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to provide,” said the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals than any other English performer in the Premier League this campaign having six and remains eager to add to that total when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 after five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four matches take in three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the league so far. A threat emerges for a team that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM

The moment for The striker to perform for the Merseyside club

The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's side need a consistent improvement to enter the league contest from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity arises with seven of their following ten Premier League matches against sides presently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus direct play and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played at club level in a month following a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League victory in Germany. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient