Premier League Predictions, Week 9
Welcome back to the weekly predictions, Premier League fans! In the onslaught of fixtures club football can bring, international breaks can last for what feels like an eternity. But the break is finally over, and back to the Premier League we go!
Two weeks ago, I bounced back from my worst week of the year in a big way. True, I did miss two of the five results: Arsenal's crucial win over Manchester City and West Ham's exciting draw with Newcastle both surprised me. But I nailed the other three results I predicted, and in the case of both Liverpool-Brighton and Wolverhampton-Aston Villa, got a bullseye on the scoreline as well. That gives me a 4-point week, which brings my season total back up to a nice clean 15/20 mark.
Now, the matches are less than 24 hours from kicking off, so let's not waste any more time fixating on multiples of 5. Here are your 5 for Week 9!
Liverpool vs. Everton
An early kickoff. First match back from an international break. Derby day against Everton. All descriptions of matches that in the past would have troubled Liverpool fans. Throw in Andy Robertson's gutting injury over the international break, and you'll forgive 'Pool fans for not being optimistic. But, I suggest a few counterpoints: the Reds broke the "early kickoff after an international break" curse earlier this season vs. Wolves, they're playing in the friendly confines of Anfield, and, frankly, they're very good and Everton are very bad.
The Pick: Liverpool, 2-0
Manchester City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
Manchester City are in the midst of something most rare: a two-match losing streak, their first in the league since 2019, which was the last season they didn't win the title. It seems unfathomable that the reigning treble winners would drop points for a third straight match. Yet if that were to be avoided, it would mean Brighton dropping points for a third straight match, which also seems wrong, given how good the Gulls have been under Roberto De Zerbi over the last season-plus. But, all things even contextually, I have to give the advantage to the team with superior talent playing at home.
The Pick: Man City, 3-1
Chelsea vs. Arsenal
Arsenal proved themselves to many agnostics (myself included) just before the international break with their win over Manchester City; it was their second win over the champions already this season, and this time they did it in the league without the services of their star Bukayo Saka. There can be little doubt now that the Gunners are built for another title chase this season. All of that being said... this London derby could be awfully interesting. Chelsea, with their 500 billion dollar offseason spending spree, clearly don't hurt for talent, and the Blues seemed to finally be finding their form with back-to-back wins just before the break. If there's going to be a winner on the day, it will be Arsenal, but don't be surprised to see shared points.
The Pick: Draw, 1-1
Aston Villa vs. West Ham United
The overachieving claret-and-blue Top 4 contender with good attacking football and a proven manager (from Birmingham) host the overachieving claret-and-blue Top 4 contender with good attacking football and a proven manager (from London). Clearly, not much separates Aston Villa and West Ham, two sides with everything to play for. I expect a very good match, but Unai Emery's men get the fixture at home, and I think will be more fired up to improve from their frustrating draw with Wolves just before the break.
The Pick: Aston Villa, 2-1
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Fulham
It's not the biggest match of the weekend, but the last game of the weekend does feature the current league leaders. Yes, league leaders Tottenham. We're still getting used to it here, too. Spurs and their North London rivals Arsenal are the only teams to still not lose a match, and though the going will get harder for Tottenham, they're not going to lose this weekend either. Fulham have been a bit off the boil this year, and lack the attacking prowess to keep up with their London peers.
The Pick: Tottenham, 2-0
Comments