English top flight: ten key points to keep an eye on this round of fixtures

1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another encounter

A Manchester reunion could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills against Wolves prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before chipping a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former scored for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.

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

2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slump

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation treatment following a alleged £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the media preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable for a wide player who has six goals plus three setups and is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an awkward position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined in their last two games after an promising opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit without a shutout since August could be the best tonic.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM

Danny Welbeck a surprise option for the national team

It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he can provide,” said the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker position.” Earning the final 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can continue his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals than any other English footballer in the top flight this season with six and will be anxious to increase that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team last year following five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for the club that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds

The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's squad must have a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from here, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches versus teams at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against aerial passes and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played for his club for a month following a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League win abroad. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient