Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures

Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh battle

A Manchester reunion may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before dinking a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.

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

2. Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slump

Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation treatment amid a reported £65m buyout clause for a prospective mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable from a attacker with six goals plus three helpers and remains joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an tricky position, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter on successive wins, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their previous two games following an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect remedy.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm

3. Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions

It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I understand what he can offer me,” commented the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally compared to any English performer in England's top division this season on six and remains keen to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM

Ryan Sessegnon needed as creator and goalscorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five tough years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the league to date. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a name for mid-table stability.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

The occasion for The striker to perform for the Reds

The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's team require a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, as well as a major improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches facing sides currently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display against long balls and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent at club level for a month following a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League win abroad. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient