Premier League: ten key points to look out for this weekend

Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh battle

A Manchester reunion may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

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

Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' decline

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill focus due to a claimed £65m release clause for a possible mid-season move, the media positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a winger who has six goals and three assists and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an difficult situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their past two matches following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout for months might be the ideal remedy.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

3. Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions

It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he can offer me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox striker position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes than any other English footballer in the Premier League this term on six and is eager to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm

4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four games include three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals in the league this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock

The occasion for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club

The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad need a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity emerges with seven from their following ten Premier League matches versus teams presently in the lower half in the league. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing versus direct play and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent at club level in a month after picking up a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient