English top flight: ten key points to look out for this matchday


1. Garnacho and Walker set for another clash

Another northwest showdown might be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet in west London following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus HĂžjlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the former found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)


Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' decline

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill attention amid a claimed ÂŁ65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the media setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable for a attacker who has six finishes plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. However, his team find themselves in an difficult spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games in their past two fixtures after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi MartĂ­nez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however confronting a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game for months might be the perfect tonic.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm


The striker an outside choice for the Three Lions

It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox No 9 role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals compared to any English performer in the top flight this campaign with six and will be anxious to add to that total as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock


4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer

Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who came back to his youth team recently after five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. RaĂșl JimĂ©nez, their leading man in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for a team that have earned a name for mid-table stability.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock


5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool

The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's team need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from this position, plus a significant improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven from their next 10 league games against clubs at the moment in the lower half in the league. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured for his club for a month having sustained a groin problem during his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient

Savannah Ryan
Savannah Ryan

A tech enthusiast and gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering hardware innovations and esports culture.