Dec 14

Matchday 9 Preview

Share post on:

Everton vs West Ham

Is this the game in which we see Marco Silva's head finally on the chopping block? Considering Everton go into Saturday's clash with West Ham, having lost their last four Premier League outings, another defeat could signal the end of his Goodison tenure.

They play host to a West Ham side who lost out in their last showing before the international break and their recent defeat to Crystal Palace also ended a run of six league matches unbeaten.

Prediction: Everton 1-1 West Ham

Leicester vs Burnley

Leicester were just seconds from being the first team to take points off of Liverpool this season and were it not for a late James Milner penalty, that would have been exactly the outcome at Anfield almost a fortnight ago.

Brendan Rodgers' players will look to dust themselves off and get the better of a Burnley side, who beat Everton at Turf Moor before the break and start the weekend lying 7th in the table.

Prediction: Leicester 2-0 Burnley

Tottenham vs Watford

Surely this is the game in which Tottenham finally get their season underway. Then again, I've been guilty of writing that opening line a number of times already and as a consequence, the North Lononders have had all too many false dawns thus far.

They play host to a Watford side who are still yet to earn their first league win of the season and if Tottenham don't win this one, Mauricio Pochettino could be in a lot of trouble.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Watford

Wolves vs Southampton

Wolves have pulled clear of the drop zone after picking up seven points from the last nine on offer and their last outing was a sensational win away at Manchester City, one that they will look to build on this weekend.

Saturday sees them play host to a Southampton side who were soundly beaten by Chelsea before the international break and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will need more from his players on Saturday.

Prediction: Wolves 2-0 Southampton

Aston Villa vs Brighton

After putting five goals past Norwich in their previous league showing, many felt that was the performance that Aston Villa have had in their locker for quite a while and this weekend they will look to get the better of Brighton.

That won't be easy though, as Graham Potter's men earned a first win since the opening weekend, when they got the better of Tottenham just before the international break and they will be keen to use that as a platform to build on.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Brighton

Bournemouth vs Norwich

Bournemouth are a great side going forward, there can be no doubt of that. However, they are incredibly porous at the other end and although it is great entertainment for the neutral, it must be incredibly frustrating for manager Eddie Howe.

They play host to Norwich on Saturday and after the Canaries shipped five in their last league outing, they will be looking to dust off that disastrous recent performance at Carrow Road.

Prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Norwich

Chelsea vs Newcastle

With Chelsea on the fringes of the top four, it is fair to say that Frank Lampard is finally getting to grips with Premier League management and with Newcastle supplying the opposition on Saturday, he and his players will be confident of earning a home win.

However, one should not forget that Newcastle got the better of Manchester United in their last outing and they will certainly be buoyed by such an impressive performance.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City

With the Premier League resuming after the second international break of the season, Crystal Palace find themselves in the heady heights of sixth in the table and this weekend they welcome Manchester City to Selhurst Park.

After being beaten by Wolves before the break, City now find themselves eight points off the pace in terms of the title race and manager Pep Guardiola knows that it is win or bust in South London.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-3 Manchester City

Manchester United vs Liverpool

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may be at the wheel, but the question is for just how long and if Manchester United suffer defeat to their most arch of rivals Liverpool on Sunday, then it could be the former forward who is shown the Old Trafford exit door.

They play host to a Liverpool side who have won a perfect eight league fixtures and although they are a class apart, all runs to have to come to an end at some point. Will Sunday be the day?

Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Liverpool

Sheffield United vs Arsenal

Chris Wilder can have few complaints as Sheffield United boss at present. However, if he was allowed one, he could point to the fact that the Blades have been relatively goal shy thus far. That said, for the seven goals they've scored this season, they've only shipped the same at the other end.

Monday night sees them play host to an Arsenal side who took part in one of the worst 'Monday Night Football' fixtures recently against Manchester United, let's hope this showing is a lot better.

Prediction: Sheffield United 0-1 Arsenal