English top flight: ten highlights to watch for this weekend

Walker faces Garnacho set for another battle

A Mancunian rematch might be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)

The winger vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected for a wide player with six finishes plus three helpers who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an tricky spot, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate over their last two fixtures after an promising start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa however taking on a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months could be the ideal solution.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm

The striker a left-field choice for the Three Lions

It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he can give me,” commented the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Earning the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes over every other English player in the top flight this term with six and is anxious to boost that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock

4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer

Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five challenging years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the league to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

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

The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's team need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, plus a significant improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven out of their following ten league games versus sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus long balls and quick transitions that will be in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played at club level for a month having sustained a groin problem while his second start in four days in continental competition win abroad. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient