Premier division: ten key points to watch for this weekend

Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh clash

Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before chipping a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former netted for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.

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

The winger key to stopping Bournemouth's slump

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation attention due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable for a wide player who has six finishes and three assists and remains joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky position, having undergone a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their previous two matches following an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa but confronting a backline that hasn't kept a shutout for months may prove the best tonic.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

Danny Welbeck an outside option for England

It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he can give me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup if he manages to sustain his goalscoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes compared to any English footballer in England's top division this season on six and remains eager to boost that total as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year following five tough years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four matches take in three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the league to date. A threat emerges for the club that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

5. Time for Isak to produce for Liverpool

The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's side require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance emerges as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches versus sides presently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that will be in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured at club level for a month following a groin injury when making his second start in four days in continental competition victory in Germany. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient