English top flight: ten highlights to keep an eye on this matchday


1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new encounter

A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus HĂžjlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

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


Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slide

Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill attention due to a alleged ÂŁ65m buyout clause for a prospective mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected from a wide player who has six finishes and three helpers and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an awkward spot, experiencing a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their previous two games after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi MartĂ­nez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a defence lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal remedy.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock


3. Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions

It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to provide,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup provided he manages to continue his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes compared to any English player in England's top division this season having six and is keen to add to that count when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm


The full-back needed as playmaker and goalscorer

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club last year after five tough years in north London, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four fixtures take in three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes this season so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm


5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club

The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad need a consistent improvement to enter the title race from this position, as well as a significant improvement in form, and opportunity emerges with seven out of their following ten league games facing clubs presently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The ÂŁ125m striker has been absent for his club for a month having sustained a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition win abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient

Tracey Campos
Tracey Campos

Elara is a passionate environmental scientist and writer, dedicated to sharing knowledge on sustainability and green technologies.