EPL Tips: Matchday 9 Predictions – Arsenal's Week to Get Worse

The Premier League returns for Matchday 9 with another important round of fixtures as clubs look to build momentum heading towards the busy winter period.

There are plenty of intriguing contests this weekend, from Manchester City's meeting with Brighton to Liverpool hosting Arsenal in one of the biggest games of the round.

Chelsea and Manchester United also meet at Stamford Bridge, while Tottenham will be looking to continue their recent improvement against Crystal Palace.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United

Chelsea and Manchester United headline Saturday's action in a fixture that both sides desperately need to win.

Chelsea will be looking to respond after their defeat to Tottenham, while Manchester United are under pressure following a difficult run of results that has left Michael Carrick needing a response.

Chelsea have home advantage, but are set to be without Emi Martinez, Reece James, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer. Maxence Lacroix and Moises Caicedo are also touch and go. Neither side has been particularly convincing defensively, which could make this an entertaining contest.

A draw looks a realistic outcome, with both teams likely to have opportunities without completely taking control. If Chelsea were with more of their stars it would be an easy tip, but with all these outs and off a shock loss to Tottenham, United could get a point despite their awful form.

Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Leeds United

Bournemouth have been building momentum and will be confident of continuing their recent improvement at home.

Leeds have shown that they can be difficult to break down, but Bournemouth's attacking threat could prove decisive. The Cherries have enjoyed some impressive recent results and will fancy their chances against a Leeds side that has drawn plenty of matches this season.

Leeds should create chances of their own, but Bournemouth's home advantage gives them the edge in what should be a very close encounter.

Prediction: Coventry City 0-2 Sunderland

This is a massive fixture for two sides looking to improve their position in the Premier League.

Both clubs have struggled to find consistent results, but Sunderland have the opportunity to take an important away victory against a Coventry side that has found goals difficult to come by.

Coventry's attacking problems are a concern, especially with Haji Wright unavailable. Sunderland have also been struggling, but this could be the match that gives them some much-needed confidence.

Sunderland look like they could start to pick up points, and with Brian Brobbey back he could prove the difference.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Brighton

Manchester City face a difficult test against one of the most exciting attacking sides in the competition.

Brighton have shown they can compete with the biggest teams and have been scoring freely, but City's quality at the Etihad could make the difference.

Pep Guardiola's side will be eager to respond after their recent defeat to Aston Villa. Erling Haaland remains a major threat, and City will expect him to play an important role.

Brighton should make things uncomfortable, but City should have enough quality to secure three points.

Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Brentford host Nottingham Forest in a fixture that could be closer than the league positions suggest.

Forest have struggled for consistency, but they have shown that they can be dangerous away from home. Brentford, meanwhile, have been difficult to beat and will be looking to make their home advantage count.

The Bees have enough attacking quality to cause problems, and Forest's defensive concerns could be exposed.

A narrow home win is the prediction in this one that could go down to the wire.

Prediction: Hull City 1-1 Ipswich Town

Hull and Ipswich meet in an important contest between two promoted sides who will both be keen to collect points.

Hull have been difficult to beat at home, while Ipswich have shown enough attacking quality to suggest they can trouble their opponents.

This could be a tight encounter, with neither side wanting to give too much away. Hull's home advantage could help them, but Ipswich have the quality to take something from the match.

A 1-1 draw looks like a fair prediction based on their results and current form.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Crystal Palace

Tottenham will be looking to continue their recent improvement when they welcome Crystal Palace. This game is another great chance for them to keep winning.

Spurs have shown signs of progress and will be confident after picking up some important results. Palace, however, remain a dangerous opponent and have the ability to cause problems on the counter-attack.

The visitors have struggled defensively, which could give Tottenham the opportunity to take control.

Spurs should have enough attacking quality and momentum to secure a narrow victory, although Palace could make it difficult.

Prediction: Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham

Aston Villa welcome Fulham in a fixture that could provide plenty of goals.

Villa have been building momentum and will be confident of continuing their strong run at home. Fulham have picked up some positive results, but facing Villa away from home is a difficult challenge.

Villa's attacking options should give them the advantage, particularly if they can make a fast start. Nicolas Jackson has been very impressive in recent weeks for Villa.

Fulham are capable of finding the net, but Villa are tipped to take all three points with a 3-1 victory.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal

One of the biggest matches of Matchday 9 sees Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield.

Both sides will have ambitions of challenging for the Premier League title, making this a particularly important fixture.

Arsenal have been strong this season, but Liverpool's recent performances suggest they are beginning to find their rhythm. Anfield could play a major role, especially with Liverpool looking to make a statement against the reigning champions.

Arsenal have a bad recent run of results away at Liverpool, just lost to Fleetwood, and are without a number of key attacking options in an attack already a bit short of quality. That could prove the difference.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Everton

The final fixture of Matchday 9 takes place on Monday night as Newcastle welcome Everton.

Newcastle will be hoping to make home advantage count, but Everton have shown they can be difficult to beat and could make this a frustrating evening for the hosts.

Both sides have had inconsistent spells, and this could be a close contest decided by small moments.

Despite Everton's win in the Carabao Cup over Newcastle, a 1-1 draw seems like a fair prediction, with the points shared at St James' Park.