Liverpool travel to Old Trafford in a pivotal clash against Manchester United, while Chelsea welcome The Magpies to Stamford Bridge and The Eagles attempt to keep soaring against the champions
Chelsea vs. Newcastle United (3pm GMT kick-off, Saturday 19th October)
A clash which can conjure only one goal if the Premier League is your thing.
In the spirit of Papiss Cisse, can this game live up to such flair and drama? In the weekend after the International break, it’s unlikely, but if there’s one guarantee about Chelsea this season, it’s entertainment at both ends.
Frank Lampard’s crusading young Blues – petition to nominate The Pensioners as the official Chelsea nickname stars here – have succeeded in exciting fans of all clubs this season. But while that makes them box office once again after some distinctly insipid years under Mourinho and Conte were followed by ‘Sarri-ball’, it also leaves them open to attack from whoever is their opposition.
The Magpies can get goals, but could they be outscored by Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount? There’s every chance this one is a thriller.
Crystal Palace vs. Man. City (5.30pm GMT kick-off, Saturday 19th October)
Last season, the clash between these sides at the Etihad caused angst among City supporters and left the Eagles flying high.
It’s unlikely that The Eagles can put on the same show on Saturday evening, if only because City can be devastating on the counterattack in a way they aren’t at home.
Palace also prefer to play on the break, so more goals to be scored in the second half seems a lock, while City are there to be backed if they need a late goal. Guardiola knows that they must win to put pressure on Liverpool.
Manchester United vs. Liverpool (4.30pm GMT kick-off, Sunday 20th October)
To the game that keeps giving. Over the years, it has been a classic that brings drama, tension and a bizarre hate-to-watch participation for anyone with a vested interest that stems from the heart. United fans will be summoning the winning goal nature of this man.
Of course, Solskjaer remains in charge at the Old Trafford club, despite their fall from grace currently leaving them 12th in the Premier League and just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Could it be the worst possible match to welcome the 100% record of their bitterest rivals Liverpool… or the best? It’s win or bust for each side, with repercussions for a defeat likely to be far-reaching among fans for the five months between guaranteed fixtures between these teams.
If you’ve not read our features on whether Manchester United or Liverpool will be the first team to reach 21 English league titles, they couldn’t be more relevant. While this fixture won’t help United get anywhere near their 21st title, defeat for Jurgen Klopp’s Reds would leave the door open for United’s cross-city rival Manchester City to push the Merseysiders off their perch at the top of the Premier League.
Dramatic? You can bet on it.
Full Gameweek #9 Premier League Fixtures:
Saturday 19th October:
Everton vs. West Ham United (12.30pm GMT kick-off)
Everton 10/11
The Draw 13/5
West Ham Utd 14/5 – our tip
Aston Villa vs. Brighton (3pm GMT kick-off)
Aston Villa 13/10
The Draw 12/5
Brighton 19/10 – our tip
Bournemouth vs. Norwich City (3pm GMT kick-off)
Bournemouth 8/11
The Draw 16/5 – our tip
Norwich 3/1
Chelsea vs. Newcastle United (3pm GMT kick-off)
Chelsea 3/10
The Draw 17/4 – our tip
Newcastle 9/1
Leicester City vs. Burnley (3pm GMT kick-off)
Leicester City 1/2
The Draw 16/5
Away 11/2 – our tip
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Watford (3pm GMT kick-off)
Spurs 2/5 – our tip
The Draw 18/5
Watford 13/2
Wolves vs. Southampton (3pm GMT kick-off)
Wolves 4/6
The Draw 11/4
Southampton 15/4 – our tip
Crystal Palace vs. Man. City (5.30pm GMT kick-off)
Crystal Palace 10/1 – our tip
The Draw 5/1
City 2/9
Sunday 20th October:
Manchester United vs. Liverpool (4.30pm GMT kick-off)
United 4/1 – our tip
The Draw 29/10
Liverpool 4/6
Monday 21st October:
Sheffield United vs. Arsenal (8pm GMT kick-off)
Sheffield United 14/5
The Draw 11/4
Arsenal 17/20 – our tip
