Manchester City and Arsenal are both top of the league, while several others are nipping at their heels. Sunday provides another huge matchup as well.
The English Premier League returns to action on Saturday afternoon starting with a matchup at the Vitality Stadium. After a strange midweek match, Tottenham will look to get back on track in the Premier League with the weekends opening match. Meanwhile Liverpool will look to rebound following a dull Monday night affair with Manchester United in Saturday’s late action.
Pacesetters Arsenal and Manchester City will both be looking to maintain their standing atop the Premier League table. Arsenal face a Middlesbrough side looking for answers, while Manchester City has a tough test at home against Southampton.
The late game on Sunday brings us this weeks marquee matchup. Chelsea host Manchester United and we’ll see the return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge. With both teams struggling for points recently, each side needs a win. Hopefully this means the spectators get a better matchup than was on display in Liverpool last Monday.
Saturday
Bournemouth 1-1 Tottenham
While it was very tempting to predict a late winner from Spurs, Bournemouth will be buoyed by their big win last weekend against hapless Hull. Tottenham looked vulnerable against Leverkusen midweek and while the Cherries don’t posses the same talent, they can certainly make life difficult for Eriksen and co.
Arsenal 2-0 Middlesbrough
Arsenal are on fire and it’s tough to find a team to stop them at the moment. The thought of “typical Arsenal” emerging is really beginning to fade away. This might be the year Arsenal can really mount a title challenge, and how fitting would it be if this is Wenger’s last season that he goes out a champion.
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Leicester City 1-0 Crystal Palace
The Foxes officially have more points in the Champions League than the Premier League. That changes this weekend as the King Power Stadium should give Leicester the boost they need to see of Pardew’s Palace. While Benteke is in form for Crystal Palace, Leicester need this win more and that drive, plus the home support should see them collect the three points.
West Ham 2-0 Sunderland
The new home should finally start feeling like one for the Hammers. After a tough start to life in their new stadium, West Ham have the luck of playing completely out of sorts Sunderland this weekend. While both teams have major mistakes that need correcting, West Ham took a step in the right direction last weekend, while Sunderland lost to Joe Allen almost by himself.
Hull City 0-1 Stoke City
A typical Stoke performance could be just what the Potter need in this one. Hull are struggling after starting the season playing so well. Perhaps their lack of squad depth is starting to deplete the whole team’s energy. Stoke will be buoyed by their recent win over Sunderland and another standout game from Joe Allen should be enough for Stoke to pickup the road win.
Swansea City 1-0 Watford
The home debut for manager Bob Bradley sees the Swans pickup a big win over a strong Watford side. The Hornets have given teams up and down the table trouble this season, but with their new manager and the support of the home fans, Swansea should be looking for all three points in this one. Nearly completing the comeback last week against Arsenal should provide another boost in the momentum of Bradley’s men.
Burnley 0-2 Everton
After a sublime defensive performance against Man City last weekend, Everton will be looking to attack in bunches against Burnley this weekend. While Everton sides in the past have been known for these kind of road slips, Koeman should have his team well-trained for this clash. Expect Lukaku to find his way on the score sheet once again in this one.
Liverpool 2-0 West Brom
Despite a big point gained last week, West Brom won’t have enough to deal with Klopp’s high pressing team. Liverpool will be out for blood after such a lackluster game against Manchester United on Monday night.
Sunday
Manchester City 2-0 Southampton
Another Champions League game and another disappointing result for Manchester City. Without a win in four straight in all competitions is disappointing, even at this early stage of the season. This weekend is a must win for Pep Guardiola, maybe not in terms of points needed, but arresting this slump. City have played well their last two times out, but the results haven’t been in their favor. That needs to change this weekend, and a victory should be expected.
Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United
The special one returns to a place he bought many trophies in his time in London.His return may not be kind to him and his new team in terms of points gained though. United are still struggling offensively and Chelsea have players that can break down even the most stingy defense Mourinho can put forth. Costa and Hazard in the end prove to be too much and Chelsea secure a big three points for their new main man, Antonio Conte.
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Conclusion
That finishes the predictions for Match-day number nine. If these results stand Arsenal and City would remain top, while Tottenham would drift slightly allowing Liverpool and Chelsea to improve their statuses. This is a big weekend for a lot of teams, City need to show the world they can dominate and win again. Manchester United are in desperate need of a good showing going into the Manchester derby in the League Cup midweek. Only one thing is for sure, this will be a cracking weekend of Premier League action.