Premier League Matchday 9: Reds Going For Record

The Premier League returns after the second international break of the season this weekend. Leaders Liverpool take their 17-game winning streak in the Premier League to Old Trafford on Sunday for one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the season.

Everton v West Ham United

Everton have lost their last four league games and must do without the suspended Seamus Coleman for the visit of West Ham. These are worrying times for the Blues who start the day in the bottom three and I expect to see Manuel Pellegrini’s side take all three points at what looks sure to be a tense, nervous Goodison Park.

The Irons threw away the lead at home to Crystal Palace in their last game and they have now lost 8 points from winning positions – more than any other side – so far this season. West Ham have won two of their last three visits to Goodison Park, however, and a win at the weekend would heap even more pressure on Blues boss Marco Silva.

Tip: West Ham to win

Aston Villa v Brighton

Both sides had excellent wins last time with Villa scoring five at Carrow Road and Brighton far too good for a disappointing Spurs at the Amex. The Villans already hold a result over the Seagulls this season, although Dean Smith played a much more experienced side than Graham Potter did in the League Cup tie between the sides at the Amex last month.

I hope to see an open, entertaining clash with opportunities at both ends and can’t split the sides.

Tip: Game to finish in a scoring draw

Tottenham Hotspur v Watford

Watford are without a win so far this season, but they did keep a rare clean sheet at Bramall Lane last time – their first in 19 Premier League games.

Spurs have conceded 10 goals in their last couple of competitive games and they, too, badly need three points to get their season back on track. Spurs have won three of their four home league games so far this term, however, and I expect to see the hosts pick up a valuable three points against a Hornets side who currently prop up the table.

Tip: Spurs to win and both teams to score

Wolves v Southampton

Wolves gained a famous win at the Etihad last time out and I believe they will follow up against a Southampton side who have lost their last three league games and conceded nine times in the process.

The Molineux outfit have won their last three without conceding a goal in all competitions and their early-season troubles in the Premier League suddenly seem a long time ago.

Tip: Wolves to win

Chelsea v Newcastle United

Newcastle were outstanding against a poor Manchester United side at St James’ Park in their last game and thoroughly deserved the points, although I think they will do well to keep this exciting young Chelsea side at arm’s length at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have won their last four games in all competitions and look full of goals at present. Frank Lampard’s side have come a long way in a short space of time since their heavy opening-weekend defeat at Old Trafford.

Tip: Chelsea to win and both teams to score

Bournemouth v Norwich City

Norwich have lost all four away league games so far this season and conceded at least twice in all those losses. Their recent 5-1 home defeat to Aston Villa would have been a chastening experience for all at Carrow Road and it is hard to make a case for the Canaries against a Bournemouth side who have scored in each home game so far this term.

I think the Cherries will keep all three points courtesy of a comfortable home success.

Tip: Bournemouth to win

Leicester City v Burnley

Burnley are unbeaten in their last four league games and I believe they will pick up a point at the King Power against a Leicester side who so nearly became the first team to put a dent in Liverpool’s unblemished start to the league season before the international break.

James Maddison has scored in his last couple of league games, but Burnley will not lie down for anyone and I think it will be a point apiece in the east midlands.

Tip: Game to finish in a draw

Crystal Palace v Manchester City

I thought Palace were very good at the London Stadium last time out and only Liverpool (30) and Saturday’s visitors to Selhurst Park Manchester City (33) have picked up more away league points than the Eagles (25) in 2019.

Palace are also unbeaten in their four home league games so far this season although they have not met anyone with the quality of the champions, who I expect to take away maximum points.

Tip: Manchester City to win to nil

Manchester United v Liverpool

Manchester United have won just two of their last 13 league games (D5 L6) and a barometer of their performance at St James’ Park last time was that central defender Harry Maguire had more touches (4) in the Magpies penalty area than any other United player.

Liverpool will equal Manchester City’s record of 18 successive league wins if they win at Old Trafford. Jurgen Klopp’s side have ridden their luck in recent weeks, but I expect them to have too much pace and aggression for this United side, although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hopeful that he can call on the services of at least a couple of his key players returning from injury or illness.

Tip: Liverpool to win

Sheffield United v Arsenal

Sheffield United have failed to score in their last three games in all competitions but they were, arguably, unlucky not to pick up a point against Liverpool in their last home game.

Arsenal have only conceded once in their last four games in all competitions, but I would not be surprised if the Gunners had to settle for a point at Bramall Lane on Monday. Chris Wilder’s side have not lost by more than one goal in the league so far this campaign and I think they will get a draw against the Gunners.

Tip: Game to finish in a draw

Michael’s weekend treble: Bournemouth, Spurs and Chelsea