English top flight: ten highlights to look out for this weekend

Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh encounter

Another northwest showdown might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea after his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his skills against Wolves prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before dinking a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)

2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill attention following a alleged £65m buyout clause for a prospective winter exit, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and is delightful to watch. However, his team occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate in their last two games after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa however facing a defence lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal solution.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions

It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he can provide,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 role.” Earning the final 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup if he manages to sustain his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals than any other English footballer in England's top division this campaign on six and is eager to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm

Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team recently following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. Fulham's following four games feature three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the league to date. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

The occasion for Isak to produce for the Reds

The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's side need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from here, along with a significant boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing clubs presently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display against aerial passes and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured at club level in a month following a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient