PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS: MATCHDAY 9

Chelsea v. Manchester United

After another international break disrupted the early part of the season, we’re back in action with the biggest game of the weekend right out of the gate.

We should learn two important things from this match. 1. Can we consider Chelsea a legitimate challenger to Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title? 2. Will this be the match that finally pushed Manchester United and their fans over the edge to sack Jose Mourinho?

The answer to the first question is obvious to me. Yes, Chelsea have the talent and manager to create three-way race for the title.

The second question isn’t as cut and dry. The parallels between this season and Mourinho’s third season during his second tenure at Chelsea are hard to ignore and even though most expect Jose to be fired by Christmas, you get the sense that United’s board aren’t quite ready to pull the trigger.

Chelsea will dominate position at home and ultimately be too much for a weak Manchester back line as the Blues grab all three points and put pressure on others to keep pace at the top of the table.

Prediction: 2-1 Chelsea

Source: 888Sport

West Ham v. Tottenham

Tottenham’s fans won’t want to hear it, but their chances to seriously threaten the three sides above them in the table are not particularly high.

Don’t get me wrong, this is a quality side that should be able to fend off Arsenal and claim a Champions League place, but they have a ceiling that’s just below a championship level.

West Ham have shown a tendency this season to play better at home as of late while also elevating their game based on the opposition.

Their players will get up for a London derby in front of a supportive home crowd and cause Spurs enough problems to see this game end in a stalemate.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Newcastle v. Brighton

It had to be demoralising for Newcastle to play so well in the first half against Manchester United only to run out of gas and lose.

They’re desperate for their first win of the season and looking to start their climb out of the relegation zone.

Brighton come in currently 13th in the table, probably right near where they’ll finish come May. Based on form, I’d favor Brighton, but I see Newcastle building on what they did well at Old Trafford and relying on the home crowd to earn a hard-fought draw.

Prediction: 2-2 Draw

Bournemouth v. Southampton

At some point, a large club is going to wise up and offer Eddie Howe the chance to show what he can do with financial resources at his disposal.

He continually puts out sides that play attractive football and does what all mid table sides must: beat those that you should and accept that top six clubs will still be difficult to get points from.

Southampton are surely the most generic side in the league, lacking any distinct style of play and with nothing promising to speak about in any part of the pitch.

The only thing that probably prevents them from being relegated is the sheer ineptitude of the three sides currently residing at the bottom.

Bournemouth dominate in every aspect of this one and comfortably win, putting them in position to start thinking about a European place finish.

Prediction: 3-0 Bournemouth

Cardiff City v. Fulham

Another team desperate for their first victory, Cardiff welcome an underperforming Fulham side. I couldn’t have been more wrong about Fulham’s start to the season.

They added far too many pieces over the summer and haven’t been able to find a starting eleven capable of producing ninety minutes of quality football.

It’s only a matter of time before Cardiff finally gets a victory and after Fulham’s crushing defeat at the hands of Arsenal in week eight, the timing is right for that to happen here.

Prediction: 1-0 Cardiff City

Wolverhampton v. Watford

This is a case of two sides heading in opposite directions. Watford’s sensational start, culminating in a victory against Tottenham, has come undone with only one point in their last four matches.

Wolves have taken the mindset to doggedly fight for points against top six clubs and using their superior midfield to swat away those below them in the table.

It’s hard for me to see a scenario where Watford catch Wolves unprepared and the home side will grab the lead early into the second half to secure the victory.

Prediction: 2-1 Wolves

Manchester City v. Burnley

I don’t yet know what to make of Burnley. The addition of European football hindered their start to the season before they began turning things around (highlighted by a victory over Bournemouth) only to drop points at home against Huddersfield.

This won’t be the game it gets any better either. Pep will have his side hungry to stay level on points with Chelsea and Liverpool as well as seeing an opportunity to further expand their lead on goal differential.

Burnley might show resolve and fight for 10-15 minutes, but City’s relentless attack will wear them down and see the game over within an hour.

Prediction: 3-0 Manchester City

Huddersfield v. Liverpool

The third and final side that are looking for their first victory still, Huddersfield won’t be thrilled to see who they welcome this weekend.

Liverpool have emerged from the hardest three week stretch I can recall in recent memory still level on points at the top of the table and still not hitting their stride offensively.

With both Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah returning to Melwood early from international duty due to injury concerns, we could see a few changes on Klopp’s team sheet.

Even if that does happen, the firepower Liverpool possess will be enough to get the win.

Prediction: 2-0 Liverpool

Everton v. Crystal Palace

Everton have seen their form pick up in their last two matches and it’s not a coincidence that Richarlison’s suspension ended in that same period.

They’re a side I still see improvement from and I don’t see any reason why they won’t be battling Wolves, Bournemouth and Manchester United for sixth place.

Crystal Palace bring effort and desire to every match, but lack the weaponry in attack to compete with sides as good as Everton.

They can get a goal and keep the game in the balance, but nothing Palace has shown recently warrants picking them to get a point.

Prediction: 2-1 Everton

Arsenal v. Leicester City

Leicester’s best win came all the way back in week two against Wolverhampton and Arsenal come in winning six straight after losses in their first two matches to Manchester City and Chelsea.

Arsenal are good, but not quite as good as six wins out of six. Leicester are an above average side that still have enough member of the Premier League winning side to handle the pressure a game like this brings.

They’ll go toe to toe with the Gunners and have an attack capable of keeping up. Arsenal are bound to drop points sooner or later and I think this is the spot.

Prediction: 2-2 Draw