Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend

Walker faces Garnacho set for another encounter

A Mancunian rematch may be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle in west London after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)

2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's decline

Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill attention due to a alleged £65m release clause for his prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected for a wide player with six finishes and three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an awkward spot, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate in their last two games after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however confronting a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game for months might be the perfect solution.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the Three Lions

It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he can offer me,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker position.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup if he can continue his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes over every other English player in the Premier League this season on six and remains anxious to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock

4. Sessegnon required as creator and finisher

Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club in 2024 following five challenging years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left side in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three of the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a team that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Reds

The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from here, plus a significant boost in performance, and opportunity arises with seven out 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 only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent for his club over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe triumph abroad. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient