Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday

Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh encounter

A Manchester reunion could be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well in west London following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former netted for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)

Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slide

Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m escape clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three assists who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an tricky position, having undergone a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their past two games after an promising start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however confronting a defence without a shutout since August may prove the ideal tonic.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

Danny Welbeck an outside option for England

It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he can give me,” stated the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup assuming he can sustain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals over every other English player in the Premier League this campaign on six and will be anxious to increase that total when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm

The full-back needed as assist provider and finisher

Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club last year following five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four fixtures include three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a side that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

The occasion for Isak to deliver for Liverpool

The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad need a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from this position, plus a significant boost in performance, and opportunity emerges with seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus teams presently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus direct play and counterattacks that remains in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action for a month following a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League victory abroad. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient