Premier League Predictions, Week 9

You know how you never realize how much you miss something, or someone, until it's gone? That's how I feel about the Premier League. "Soccer Saturdays" have not etched themselves into my pastime as much as a lifetime as college football fandom has, so I would think a week every now and then without fútbol would be fine. But man, these international breaks are killing me. It feels like it's been an eternity since I last watched Liverpool lace up.

Last time out, I got back on track by nailing 4 of the 5 picks; only Watford's capitulation to Bournemouth did me in. By my count, I am batting 22 for 30. Now, the matches are less than 12 hours away from starting, so let's not waste any time. Here are your 5 for Week 9!

Chelsea vs. Manchester United

Once again, the prime showdown in the Premier League is in the earliest time slot. Why do they keep doing this? Anyways, this might be quite the matchup everyone expected preseason. If you had told most everyone that one of the sides would be in peak form, tied for the Premier League lead, and the other would be floundering far behind the Top 4, you would think the former would be Manchester United, but it is indeed vice versa. United gave their fans some hope and excitement with a come-from-behind thriller just before the break. But that was Newcastle at Old Trafford. This is Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Pick: Chelsea, 3-1

Wolverhampton vs. Watford

Watford continues to fascinate me, as they plunge deeper and deeper into trouble. They started the season so well, and the thing is, I don't think it was a fluke. They have genuine attacking talent, and are usually cohesive enough for 90 minutes plus. But there's no denying how bad things have been of late for the Hornets, and they might get worse; Wolves have completely supplanted them as "the exciting underdog team that wears yellow and black." They are sneakily talented, and are impressively creative. You have to like them to continue Watford's pain, in front of a home crowd.

The Pick: Wolverhampton, 3-2

West Ham vs. Tottenham

Just a few weeks ago, this would have appeared to be a walk in the park for Tottenham, but the Spurs are yet to find consistent footing this year, and West Ham is suddenly the hottest team in the league, with wins over Everton and Manchester United sandwiched around a shock draw with Chelsea. It's enough to make you think the Hammers might pull another surprise result out of their hat tomorrow, but I expect Tottenham to return from the layoff eager to put their most competitive foot forward.

The Pick: Tottenham, 2-1

Huddersfield Town vs. Liverpool

For having their best start to a Premier League season since . . .ever?, people have started to get a little down on Liverpool. It's not entirely without reason; they're yet to lose in the League, sure, but they also haven't won a match in now 3 calendar weeks, and the thrilling attacking and intense pressing that was such a signpost of Klopp's influence there has not been seen at all this year. Huddersfield, coached by Klopp's dear friend David Wagner, offers a brilliant opportunity for the Reds to get back on track following the international break. Wagner's familiarity with his foe may lead to a surprisingly competitive match, but the talent gap will be too much to overcome here.

The Pick: Liverpool, 2-0

Arsenal vs. Leicester City

Hidden away on Monday is a deceptively fun match. Arsenal tends to have the Foxes' number (they were the only team to beat Leicester twice during the latter's magical Premier League conquest), but the two always play entertaining matches. The Gunners are in far better form currently, quietly working their way near the top of the standings. I do think they'll continue their hot streak, but expect yet another entertaining installment of Vardy vs. goals-by-committee.

The Pick: Arsenal, 3-2

Premier League Predictions, Week 9

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