English top flight: ten highlights to watch for this weekend

Walker faces Garnacho set for a new clash

A Manchester reunion could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before lofting a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.

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

2. Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's decline

Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill attention following a alleged £65m buyout clause for his prospective winter exit, the media preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected for a winger with six goals plus three assists who is joyous to watch. However, his side occupy an awkward spot, having engaged in a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate in their previous two fixtures after an promising opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet confronting a backline lacking a shutout for months may prove the ideal remedy.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm

The striker a surprise option for the Three Lions

It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to give me,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional striker role.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals over every other English footballer in England's top division this season with six and remains keen to add to that count as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock

The full-back needed as creator and finisher

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently after five tough years in north London, is now a regular starter, driving down the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's next four games feature three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for a team that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

5. Time for The striker to produce for Liverpool

The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's side must have a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from here, along with a major boost in performance, and a chance arises with seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures against sides presently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against direct play and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent at club level in a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient