As the Premier League gears up for an exciting weekend, Matchday 9 promises plenty of drama, including a top-of-the-table clash and a matchup between the reigning champions and a team currently struggling at the bottom. Additionally, four teams are still searching for their first victories of the season. Here’s what to watch for this weekend.
Title contenders or pretenders?
The weekend concludes with a high-stakes match as Premier League leaders Liverpool travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal. Liverpool has enjoyed a strong start, with seven wins in eight matches, five clean sheets, and only three goals conceded. However, questions remain about the legitimacy of their title challenge, partly due to a favorable fixture list.
A positive result against title rivals Arsenal would solidify their status. Meanwhile, Arsenal, coming off a defeat to Bournemouth, must secure points to stay in contention. Currently four points off the pace, another loss would place immense pressure on Mikel Arteta’s team, which is already grappling with injury issues.
Momentum matters
Kicking off the weekend is a Friday night fixture where Leicester City hosts Nottingham Forest at the King Power Stadium. Forest has emerged as one of the surprise teams this season, currently sitting eighth in the table, tied on points with Tottenham and just ahead of Newcastle, while trailing Chelsea by only a point. Notably, they are the only team to have taken points from Premier League leaders Liverpool this season.
A victory for Forest could propel them into fifth place, at least temporarily. Meanwhile, Leicester is riding high after back-to-back wins and aims for a third straight victory to leapfrog Manchester United in the standings. Both teams were initially expected to struggle this season, so a win is crucial for maintaining their positive momentum.
A perfect opportunity for Erling Haaland
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland finds himself without a goal in his last three Premier League matches, the longest drought he’s experienced with the club. He’ll look to end this streak as City hosts Southampton, who are yet to win this season. Despite their performances earning them seven points, the Saints have only managed to secure one.
With Southampton struggling to score and conceding high-quality chances, this match presents a prime opportunity for Haaland to rediscover his scoring touch. After netting twice in midweek Champions League action, the two-time Golden Boot winner will be eager to find the net against the Saints.
Bounce back potential
Chelsea’s unbeaten run came to an end last weekend with a 2-1 loss at Anfield, marking their first defeat since losing to Manchester City on the opening day. This week, they face Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, looking to bounce back. Newcastle, however, is without a win in the Premier League for over a month, having last triumphed against Wolves in mid-September.
A win for Chelsea would demonstrate their title credentials, while a victory for Newcastle could reignite their season, making this clash particularly significant for both sides.
All fixtures:
Friday 25th October:
21:00 – Leicester vs N. Forest
Saturday 26th October:
16:00 – Aston Villa vs Bournemouth
16:00 – Brentford vs Ipswich
16:00 – Brighton vs Wolves
16:00 – Man. City vs Southampton
18:30 – Everton vs Fulham
Sunday 27th October:
15:00 – Chelsea vs Newcastle
15:00 – Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
15:00 – West Ham vs Man. United
17:30 – Arsenal vs Liverpool
