Chelsea vs Manchester United – Sunday, October 7, 12am
One of the Premier League’s biggest rivalries kick off Matchday 9 with Chelsea and Manchester United squaring off at Stamford Bridge. The two sides have dominated the Premier League era winning 18 of the 26 titles.
However, both sides enter Saturday night’s fixture in corresponding form.
Chelsea sit second on the table, level on points with first place Manchester City. The Blues have been electrifying under new manager Maurizio Sarri, scoring the third most goals (18) and conceding the second fewest (5) this season. The Blues also home the leagues most in-form player in Eden Hazard. The Belgium superstar is the Premier League’s leading scorer with seven goals and was named the Premier League Player of the Month for September.
Manchester United needed a last gasp winner from Alexis Sanchez to defeat Newcastle in Matchday 8. The Red Devils trailed 2-0 after 10 minutes of play and appeared destined for another humiliating defeat. However, United showed more vigour in the second half and scored three goals to secure a much-needed win.
The fixture gains even more intrigue with the pressure surrounding United manager Jose Mourinho. The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ is treading on thin ice at United and a thumping against his old side could spell an end to his reign as Red Devils manager.
The Red Devils have won only once at Stamford Bridge in 16 years, a record they are unlikely to improve in their current form.
Tip: Chelsea win - $1.66
West Ham vs Tottenham – Sunday, October 7, 3:30am
A win for either side in the London Derby will have ramifications for both teams. A win for Tottenham could see them move to the top of the table, if by miracle Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal all lose, while a win for West Ham will guide them further away from the relegation battle.
The Hammers have been in good form of late, claiming seven out of a possible 12 points in their last four games. The Hammers had comprehensive victories over Everton and Manchester United and became the first team to take points off Chelsea this season. However, they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brighton in their last start and sit 15th on the table, four points above 18th place Huddersfield.
Tottenham enter the game off the back of a three-game win streak in the Premier League. The Spurs recorded a 1-0 victory over Cardiff in their last start. Tottenham will also be buoyed by the performances of the England stars. Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Harry Winks and Kieran Tripper all started in England’s 3-2 victory over Spain.
Both sides have been difficult to separate in recent years, with both teams winning two of their past five matches.
Tip: Tottenham half/full double - $2.87
Arsenal vs Leicester – Tuesday October 23, 2.30am
Arsenal are gunning for their 10th consecutive win in all competitions when they host Leicester. The Gunners have been in irresistible form lately, particularly in their 5-1 victory over Fulham.
Alexandre Lacazette is in career best form at the Gunners, scoring four goals in eight matches. Lacazette has formed a solid partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who has also scored four goals this season.
Leicester’s form has been inconsistent, winning four and losing four of their games this season. The Foxes suffered a 2-1 defeat to Everton in their last game.
Arsenal and Leicester have played some memorable games in recent seasons, including the incredible 4-3 fixture on the opening day of last season. Expect plenty of goals in this fixture.
