Premier League 2018/19 Gameweek 9: Match previews and predictions

The matchday eight clash between the top two sides in the Premier League - Manchester City and Liverpool didn't live up to the expectations with both the teams ensuring they don't lose the game. The three London sides - Chelsea, Arsenal, and Spurs won their respective matches and kept up the pace for the top four spots.

Manchester United produced a thrilling comeback in the second half from two goals down to win 3-2 against Newcastle United giving Jose Mourinho some respite before the International break. On the bottom half of the table, Huddersfield, Cardiff, and Newcastle are still looking for their first victory in the current campaign.

Gameweek nine lines up one of the mouthwatering clashes with Jose Mourinho visiting his old club Chelsea looking to back up their last week victory with another win while West Ham and Spurs lock horns in an all London derby. Man City and Liverpool have a reasonably easy fixture which they are expected to win while Arsenal would be hosting Leicester City at the Emirates on Monday night.

Here are the previews and predictions for matchday 9:

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#10. Chelsea vs. Man United

Jose Mourinho needs a win to get some pressure off his chest

Both the clubs are in contrasting fortunes at the moment. With Jose Mourinho's job on the line, the Portuguese is under considerable pressure to avoid defeat against his former club. Midfielder Nemanja Matic is doubtful for the match after picking up an injury in the International break with Ander Hererra likely to replace him in the midfield.

However, for Sarri, there isn't much injury worries and would be hoping that his side can maintain the unbeaten start to the campaign. Eden Hazard is in the form of his life, and the Italian expects his talisman to turn up again against the Red Devils.

Prediction: Chelsea 3 - 1 Man United

#9. Newcastle United vs. Brighton

Rafa Benitez desperately needs a win

The Magpies are yet to win in the Premier League this season. Rafa Benitez's side had a golden opportunity to register their first win at Old Trafford last time out, but they gave away their two-goal lead and conceded three in the second half against Manchester United. Injury concerns for Newcastle as both Salomon Rondon and Ciaran Clarke are ruled out of the game.

Brighton picked up a win last time out against West Ham which was just their second victory of the campaign after beating Manchester United earlier in the season. It will be a challenging game at the St James Park, but Chris Hughton's men would be looking for all three points against a hapless Newcastle side.

Prediction: Newcastle 1 - 1 Brighton

#8. West Ham vs. Tottenham

The Hammers needs Marko Arnautović to fire

West Ham United had a good run of games after losing first four matches on the trot. But that winning run was broken last week by Brighton where the Hammers looked poor with their star player Marko Arnautović missing tonnes of chances.

At the London stadium, Manuel Pellegrini's men would be up against a Spurs side who have their injury problems with Dele Alli, Danny Rose and Jan Vertonghen all sidelined. Currently fifth in the league and with just two points off the top, Mauricio Pochettino knows a victory could take them to the top of the table.

Prediction: West Ham 1 - 2 Spurs

#7. Bournemouth vs. Southampton

Eddie Howe has completely turned Bournemouth's fortunes

Eddie Howe's side has been expectational so far in the campaign picking five wins from the first eight games. Last week they put up a comprehensive display away from home at Watford thrashing the home side by four goals. Bournemouth is the surprise package this season, and a win could take them within reach of the Champions League places.

The Saints, on the other hand, suffered defeat against Chelsea at home last time out and are currently a couple of points above the relegation zone. However, Mark Hughes doesn't have any injury concern going into the match.

Prediction: Bournemouth 3 - 1 Southampton

#6. Man City vs. Burnley

Sergio Aguero is in top form at the moment

After the goalless draw against Liverpool last time out, Pep Guardiola's side is currently top of the league with a better goal difference. Good news for Man City is that midfielder Kevin De Bruyne would be back in contention after missing out several games due to a knee injury.

Etihad is a tough place to visit, and it could be a long day for Sean Dyche's Burnley who are currently twelfth in the league with just two wins from the opening eight games. They haven't looked like the side they were last season and have to be at their very best if they want to get something out of the game.

Prediction: Man City 3 - 0 Burnley

#5. Cardiff City vs. Fulham

Neil Warnock is still searching for his first win this campaign

Cardiff City is struggling to adjust to life in the Premier League with no wins and languishing at the bottom of the table. Neil Warnock's side is the bookmakers favourite to go down this season with early signs pointing to that direction only. However, a win would not only give them their first victory of the season but take them on same points with their opponents this weekend.

Another newly promoted side Fulham hasn't lived up to everyone's expectations. Last weekend, Jokanovic's team was thrashed 1-5 by Arsenal at home, and another defeat could put them in the relegation zone.

Prediction: Cardiff 3 - 0 Fulham

#4. Huddersfield vs. Liverpool

Liverpool drew their last two encounters against Chelsea and Man City

Like Cardiff and Newcastle, Huddersfield is still without a win and are eighteenth in the league. With survival at stake, every match is crucial for David Wagner's side at this stage of the season.

Liverpool, on the other hand, ended their gruelling run of fixtures with a goalless draw against Man City last time out. Jurgen Klopp's side is third on the table with only goal difference separating the top three. Mo Salah is doubtful with a hamstring injury while Naby Keita would be missing out with a thigh problem. Despite all that, the Reds bench strength is more than enough to get all three points from the game.

Prediction: Huddersfield 0 - 3 Liverpool

#3. Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Watford

Nuno Espírito Santo has done wonders with Wolves so far

Unlike the other newly promoted sides, Wolves has been quite impressive so far with just one defeat in ten matches in all competitions. On top of that, Nuno Espírito Santo's team has taken points against both the Manchester clubs. Their style of play has caught the eye of many.

Watford promisingly started the season winning all of their first four matches in the Premier League. But after the defeat against Manchester United at the Vicarage Road, the Javi Gracia side has lost the momentum a bit losing three of their last four games.

Prediction: Wolves 2 - 2 Watford

#2. Everton vs. Crystal Palace

Palace needs Zaha to be fit for the game

Everton won away at Leicester City last time out and would be looking to do the same at home this weekend. Defender Yerry Mina could finally make his debut after three months out with a foot injury. Andres Gomes is also available along with defender Phil Jagielka.

The Eagles are currently fourteenth in the league and looking for a consistent run of good results which has been hard to come by. Wilfried Zaha sustained a groin injury on International duty and could be out for the game.

Prediction: Everton 2 - 1 Crystal Palace

#1. Arsenal vs. Leicester City

A victory would make it 10 wins in a row in all competitions

Arsenal is back to where they belong in the top four after six successive wins. The strike partnership of Lacazette and Aubameyang has been sensational, and Unai Emery would be hoping they can maintain their understanding till the end of the season. The defence is still a worry for the Gunners, and they are struggling to keep clean sheets this season.

The Foxes lost last time out at home against Everton and will be without their captain, Morgan, who got suspended in the previous match. However, Leicester City has made their best start to the campaign since winning the title in 2016.

Prediction: Arsenal 3 - 2 Leicester City