🔗 Share this article English top flight: ten key points to watch for this weekend Garnacho versus Walker set for a new encounter Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster netted for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City. Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT) 2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' decline Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column focus following a alleged £65m release clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable from a wide player who has six finishes plus three assists who is delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an tricky situation, having engaged in a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate over their past two matches following an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but facing a defensive unit lacking a shutout for months may prove the perfect remedy. Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM 3. Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he could provide,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox No 9 role.” Earning the final 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup if he can continue his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals over every other English footballer in England's top division this season with six and will be anxious to add to that total when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday. Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock The full-back required as creator and goalscorer The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his boyhood club in 2024 after five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. The Cottagers' following four matches take in three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a name for mid-table stability. Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm 5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The manager's side need a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a major boost in performance, and a chance arises as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures against teams currently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus direct play and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action over four weeks following a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition victory abroad. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient