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There has been plenty of European action to keep us busy midweek, but the Premier League returns on Friday night. That’s right, it’s an early start for England’s top flight, despite a flurry of continental action, with an East Midlands derby between Leicester City and Nottingham Forest getting Gameweek 9 underway.
Five matches follow on Saturday, but Sunday is when the majority of the league’s elite sides are in action. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur all feature after Thursday night exploits and there is a gargantuan clash at the Emirates Stadium, too.
Steve Cooper reunites with Nottingham Forest in the East Midlands derby at the King Power Stadium, a fixture he’ll be keen to put a successful stamp on, given his tumultuous recent tenure. Forest have earned four draws from their opening eight outings, while the Foxes have two wins in their last three, albeit both against lower-tier opponents. We’re going for a 1-1 draw in this evenly-matched encounter.
One of the standout fixtures this Saturday is Aston Villa versus Bournemouth, a game that promises to be an entertaining affair. Villa are unbeaten in four, thanks in part to Ollie Watkins’ red-hot form, while Bournemouth will be looking to capitalise on Arsenal’s lacklustre display and Newcastle’s struggles. I foresee a 3-0 victory for the Claret and Blues.
A tough assignment awaits Wolverhampton Wanderers as they face a well-organised Brighton & Hove Albion side, but at least they’ll know exactly what to expect – an attritional, if somewhat stodgy, match that could yield no more than a solitary goal apiece. The Tractor Boys, meanwhile, have been impressive on their travels and will look to test Brentford’s sturdy defensive record. A tight, low-scoring draw – 1-1 – looks the most plausible outcome here.
In contrast, Manchester City should steamroller Southampton, with Russell Martin’s men likely struggling to cope with Pep Guardiola’s tactical mastery and creative prowess. The defending champions’ 3-0 victory is the bookmakers’ favourite.
Of the weekend’s other contests, Everton’s unbeaten streak might be tested at the hands of Fulham, but the Toffees’ recent resilience in games – they’ve yet to concede more than twice – could see them cling on for a 2-2 draw.
For Chelsea, a home game against out-of-form Newcastle presents a golden opportunity to make a statement and propel themselves back into the Champions League conversation. A victory for the Blues would reiterate their status as legitimate top-four contenders. If Arsenal lose to Liverpool (see below), this contest takes on even greater importance. Chelsea’s 2-1 win looks on the cards.
Crystal Palace are the visitors to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and while the hosts’ inconsistent form might still trouble their fans, Erik Lamela’s presence off the bench could be decisive. Palace, meanwhile, remain in search of a win; a 2-2 draw is probably their most realistic expectation, with both teams creating and converting opportunities.
The highlight of Gameweek 9 arrives on Sunday: a top-of-the-table showdown at the Emirates as Arsenal and Liverpool collide in an intriguing encounter. Will Jurgen Klopp’s squad capitalise on their hosts’ vulnerability, or can the Gunners respond after an intense week? If Liverpool lose, this outcome might significantly alter the narrative, as Manchester City plot their path to the Premier League summit. For now, we’re going with a 2-2 draw – a fitting reward for the neutrals after such a thrilling, stop-start match.
