Premier League: ten key points to look out for this matchday

Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new clash

Another northwest showdown might be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle in west London following his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.

Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)

Antoine Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slide

Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill focus following a alleged £65m release clause for his potential January departure, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is to be expected for a winger with six goals plus three setups who is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth find themselves in an difficult spot, having engaged in a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their last two matches following an impressive start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal remedy.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm

The striker an outside shout for the Three Lions

It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I know what he could offer me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker position.” Gaining the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup assuming he can continue his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally compared to any English performer in the top flight this term on six and remains eager to increase that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm

Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher

Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side in 2024 after five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches feature three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the league this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a standing for mid-table stability.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds

The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad need a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from this position, as well as a major upturn in results, and opportunity arises as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not featured for his club for a month following a groin injury during his second start in quick succession in the Champions League win abroad. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient