Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend

Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh battle

Another northwest showdown could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.

Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)

2. Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' decline

Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible January departure, the media positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable from a wide player with six goals and three helpers who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate in their previous two games after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however confronting a defence lacking a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal tonic.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

3. Welbeck an outside shout for England

It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup if he is able to continue his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally than any other English performer in the Premier League this season on six and will be anxious to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm

The full-back required as assist provider and scorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team in 2024 after five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' next four games take in three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals this season to date. A threat emerges for the club that have built a name for consistency in the middle.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock

The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds

The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's squad need a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from this position, as well as a significant upturn in results, and opportunity emerges with seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus teams presently in the lower half in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus long balls and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured at club level over four weeks following a groin injury when making his second start in four days in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient