Gameweek 9: Premier league predictions & betting tips
Manchester United fell horribly at Huddersfield, one for the history books as it dated back 65 odd years to the last time such happened, one Mourinho would reflect on and probably regret the tactics of the other day against Liverpool as it probably contributed to the lackluster showing of the Red Devils. Individual errors cost United the game, but everyone had moments they could have changed the game including the manager but didn’t, the fate was sealed when Jones hobbled off injured and new boy Lindelof came on, a game to forget for the Benfica recruit as he was turned inside out for the opener that could directly be hinged on Juan Mata who was too easily yanked off the ball by Aaron Mooy.
The second was no different as Lindelof misjudged on a day Depetoire was in the mood, on this occasion, United are home to Tottenham, a team on fire, a bunch high on confidence from the massacre of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Wembley, a game that needs no analysis as Liverpool literally handed Spurs the heads up from the word go through everyone in defence. Lunchtime kickoff is at Old Trafford, fumbling Manchester United up against the lively Tottenham Hotspur, bit with news breaking out that Harry kane is ruled out due to minor hamstring problems... one for the bookies!
A resurgent Arsenal side host Swansea in the first of the simultaneous fixtures, after dumping Everton and by extension, Ronald Koeman who got the boot after shipping five against the gunners, the latter went on to need extra time in midweek to oust Norwich in the Carabao cup, where they have been pitched against Westham. Swansea are without a few regulars including Renato Sanchez and Wilfried Bony but one must not forget how they stun Arsenal whenever they are in the mood.
Crystal Palace host Westham next and it’s one for the neutrals, Palace are rock bottom and must win to lift morale, Westham having gotten something of strong statement at Wembley against Tottenham in midweek, must build on that if they want their manager in the position next weekend as he’s been handed two games to save his job. Watford had it all to do against Chelsea after going down to one goal that must be described as a top drawer from Pedro albeit off a poor decision from the linesman who saw a corner kick when it was actually off Hazard, the Hornets got in after several Richarlison misses, went 2:1 up but then, Batshuayi happened and it was 4:2, now they host Stoke City, Mark Hughes isn’t where he wants to be and he’s better start winning.
Liverpool had a day to forget at Wembley, Dejan lovren must wonder how he’s become such a joke of a defender with school boy errors. Dirty clearances and poor positioning keep getting him in the black books but with Huddersfield, slayers of Manchester United in town, you have to be careful. Jurgen Klopp is under fire for all the wrong reasons, having earlier lost to City, big games specialists as they are called bottled it as early as possible against Tottenham and never really got into it even when Salah halved the deficit, Huddersfield were disciplined against United and they most likely would rely on the compact midfield that bested Mourinho’s men but then, Liverpool should come stronger.
Manchester City are off to Westbrom, the Citizens are on fire and can beat anyone and everyone on this form but football has a way of springing surprises. Elsewhere, Chelsea will look to keep up the two straight wins after back to back defeats in the league and Roma stalemate in Europe, Bournemouth are high on confidence after stealing all three points at the Britannia, Chelsea have Roma to prepare for in midweek, this could be tricky.
After the heroics of Brighton at Westham, everyone knew the job of Bilic would be on the line, so they knew too that Brighton must now be taken seriously, need say more about Pellegrino’s stance? Southampton have Sofiane Boufal to thank for his mesmerizing run that earned them all three points at home to Westbrom last weekend, the saints are finding it hard in front of goal despite how much quality they have upfront, Brighton won’t forgive them if they fail to take their chances when they have one. Everton have fired Ronald Koeman, no thanks to Arsenal, but the team must move on, they face another struggling team, Leicester who finally won after ditching Shakespeare, who wants it more? Burnley closes the round with a game against Newcastle.
Here we go with our premier league predictions, remember... it’s what we do best.
FIXTURES VERDICT
Man United vs Tottenham - United to win or draw
Arsenal vs Swansea - Arsenal to win
Crystal Palace vs Westham - Both teams to score
Liverpool vs Huddersfield - Liverpool to win
Watford vs Stoke - Watford to win
Westbrom vs Man City - City to win
Bournemouth vs Chelsea - Both teams to score
Brighton vs Southampton - Southampton to win or draw
Leicester vs Everton - Leicester to win
Burnley vs Newcastle - Under 3.5 goals
Strictly the writer’s opinion
Written by @komptrolla