English top flight: 10 things to watch for this matchday


1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh clash

A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus HĂžjlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.

Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)


The winger vital to stopping Bournemouth's slide

Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill focus amid a alleged ÂŁ65m buyout clause for a possible winter exit, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected for a wide player with six goals plus three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an awkward position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate over their previous two matches following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi MartĂ­nez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa yet facing a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal remedy.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock


The striker a surprise choice for England

It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I know what he could provide,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals compared to any English player in England's top division this term having six and is eager to add to that count when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm


4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and goalscorer

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side recently following five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. RaĂșl JimĂ©nez, their primary attacker last season, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures feature three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the league this season. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock


5. Time for Isak to perform for the Reds

The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's side need a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and the possibility arises as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against teams presently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a groin problem during his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe triumph in Germany. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient

Shelley Dean
Shelley Dean

James is a tech analyst and writer passionate about digital transformation and productivity tools.