Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures

Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new battle

A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

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

2. Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's decline

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation treatment amid a claimed £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and is delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an tricky situation, experiencing a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their last two fixtures following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect tonic.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM

The striker an outside choice for the Three Lions

It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he could give me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup if he is able to maintain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals than any other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign on six and will be keen to add to that tally as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm

Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and finisher

Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team recently after five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's following four fixtures include three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

The occasion for Isak to perform for the Reds

The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's team must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from here, as well as a major upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their following ten league games facing teams currently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action for a month following a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League triumph in Germany. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient