Premier League: Match Week Nine Preview

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By Egeonu Ifeanyichukwu

Premier League Match Week nine preview.

Bournemouth vs Leicester

The Cherries are unbeaten in their last four games under interim boss Gary O'Neill, and have stopped conceding goals.
They will cause Leicester problems from set-pieces, but the Foxes showed against Nottingham Forest that they carry a real threat - James Maddison is in the form of his life at the moment. 
It's going to be close, but I expect Leicester to edge this one.

My prediction: 1-2

 Chelsea vs Wolves
 
Wolves sacked Bruno Lage after their defeat at West Ham last weekend, and after just one win in their past 15 matches. To some the decision to get rid of a manager so early in the season, looks a bit harsh. They also had issues scoring goals, of course, but it is not his fault that their strikers got injured.
They don't have a manager at the moment and I can't see them winning here, either.
Chelsea are gradually finding their feet under Graham Potter and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has started scoring, so they should comfortably get all three points.

My prediction: 2-0
 
Manchester City vs Southampton 

There seems to be rumours making the rounds that Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is about to get sacked. I don't know if that bodes well for his team given that they are facing a rampant Manchester side.

Saints drew with City home and away last season but it's difficult to see them getting anything at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Pep's side could go on to thump teams if they wanted to, but with their busy schedule, he seems with them taking their foot off the gas when they are in control of a game.
Because of that, I'm not going for a big score here. Plus, we might be treated to another Erling Haaland hat-trick at home.

My prediction: 4-0

Newcastle United vs Brentford
 
Newcastle were very impressive going forward in their last outing against Fulham last weekend.
Callum Wilson did well on his return from injury and Miguel Almiron looks a completely different player from last season.
He has scored three goals already this as compared to only one he got the whole of last season, and his first against Fulham - an audacious lob, is already a goal of the season contender.
Brentford are a well-drilled side but Newcastle will take the game to them, and I see them creating enough chances to win it.

My prediction: 2-1

 Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur 

This is a tough one because of how well the Seagulls are playing - crafty Leandro Trossard got a hat-trick at Anfield, and Roberto de Zerbi outlined his credentials and showed he is a coach who likes playing on the front-foot in his first game in charge.
Spurs have not really got going yet this season, in terms of playing as well as we know they can do, but the way Brighton are likely to play might play into Tottenham's hands.

My prediction: 1-1

 Crystal Palace vs Leeds

Crystal Palace and Patrick Vieira felt hard done by some refereeing decisions last weekend, especially the decision not send Thiago Silva off. The Brazilian later went on assist Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's equalizer. As if that wasn't hard enough, Conor Gallagher came on and struck a late winner for Chelsea against the side where he spent last season on loan at.
I'm going for a Palace win here.

My prediction: 2-1

 West Ham vs Fulham

West Ham got a much-needed win, after new signing Gianluca Scamacca & Jarrod Bowen got off the mark with their first league goals of the season.
The Hammers may have a bit of momentum at the moment, but this is a perfect game to find out given it's a London derby.
As for Fulham, what kind of threat they pose will depend on whether Aleksandar Mitrovic is fit after he was injured against Newcastle last week.

My prediction: 2-1

Arsenal vs Liverpool

The way Arsenal took the game to Tottenham last weekend was impressive.
While the Gunners are playing well and riding on a wave of confidence, things are not as straightforward at Liverpool at the moment.
The Reds enjoyed a comfortable win over Rangers in the Champions League on Tuesday but weren't tested defensively. 
Expect the Arsenal front line to pose a serious threat here.
I think Liverpool will score, even though they have not quite clicked yet this season, but Arsenal's attacking talent are going to cause them a lot of problems at the other end. And giving Liverpool's defensive frailties so far this season, it will be interesting to see how they cope.

My prediction: 2-1

 Everton vs Manchester United

Everton were not at their best against Southampton last time out, but they still ran out winners and there are some good signs to see when you watch the Toffees play.
They don't concede many goals - seven in eight league matches, which is the best defensive record in the top flight.
Manchester United looked stunned during last weekend's Manchester derby but City can do that to anyone, and I still United have made some progress under Erik ten Hag in the past few weeks.
I am expecting Everton to play with some ferocity in the way they attack United, especially under the lights at Goodison Park, but I think the spoils are going to be shared.

My prediction: 1-1

Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa

There were noises coming out of the City Ground about Steve Cooper being sacked & before the dust could settle, news came out that he had extended his contract until 2025, going on to quash any exit rumours.
I always thought that it was going to be a herculean task to go and build a new team that could compete in the Premier League.

It's hard to tell where Aston Villa are at, after seeing them unable to break down a Leeds side that played almost the entire second half with 10 men.
There are a few discontented Villa fans who feel their team haven't made the progress they would have liked under Gerrard. Philippe Coutinho has been disappointing this season, and overall they look like they are labouring even when they get a result.
Forest seem too open at the back to hold out for 90 minutes, so I see Villa scoring and possibly picking up all three points here.

My prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Aston villa 

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