Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend

1. Garnacho and Walker set for another clash

A Manchester reunion could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his skills against Wolves prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before chipping a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.

Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)

2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slump

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment amid a reported £65m release clause for a prospective winter exit, the media preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable for a winger with six finishes and three setups and remains delightful to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an tricky spot, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate in their last two games after an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a backline without a clean sheet since August could be the best solution.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM

3. Welbeck a surprise shout for England

It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he can provide,” said the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker position.” Having won the final 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he can continue his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals over every other English player in England's top division this season having six and will be anxious to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm

The full-back crucial as playmaker and finisher

Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his former side in 2024 following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four games include three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for the club that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool

The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's squad require a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from their current spot, plus a significant upturn in results, and the possibility emerges with seven from their following ten league games versus clubs at the moment in the lower half in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that remains in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent at club level for a month having sustained a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient