Matchweek 09 of the Premier League Season is here, and we once again try and take down the $50,000 prize by playing Premier League Pick Em’ on the NBC Sports Predictor App. NBC Sports Predictor is a sports app that gives you a chance to win huge cash prizes by simply making predictions on the games. This article is a guide to help you think about each match. This week we navigate through Matchday 09 of 38.
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET)
Palace travel to Selhurst Park, where if you’re the road team, you’ll be fortunate to get a result. Fortunately for Chelsea, beating Palace home or away has not been a problem. Chelsea have won their last 10 matches against Palace. It’s pretty remarkable. Graham Potter inherited a good team. They just lost their way under Thomas Tuchel.
Palace have played more aggressively to start matches this season. However, they have only won one match and are 16th on the table. They don’t concede many goals, but this season, they have a higher xGA than seasons past. They have an xGA of 1.93. Their quality this year is more attacking-minded, but I don’t believe they will create many chances against Chelsea.
With limited possession and few quality chances, I think this ends nil-nil, or Chelsea squeezes a narrow victory.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 0, Chelsea 1
Liverpool vs. Brighton (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET)
Liverpool have had a dreadful start to the season. Their biggest issue has been on the injury front. They were banged up, which was one of their most significant issues. They started conceding at an alarming rate and not finishing their chances. Looking at the numbers, the data suggests they are due goals and due many wins. They lead the EPL in xG but haven’t converted how they would like. Now that they are healthier, I expect them to take advantage of this Graham Potter-less Brighton side.
It will probably be a while before Brighton feel the biggest brunt of Potter moving to Chelsea. Brighton have been impressive. They are fourth on the table with a goal differential of +6. The meetings between these two clubs were low scoring except for the meeting early last season.
Jurgen Klopp‘s men have logged many minutes during the international break, but he knows how vital points are at home when trying to climb the table. I expect this game to go in favor of Liverpool.
Prediction: Liverpool 2, Brighton 0
West Ham vs. Wolves (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
It has been a nightmare start for West Ham and David Moyes. Despite spending money this summer to improve, they have just one win and are currently in the relegation zone. It’s still early, but Moyes is definitely on the hot seat. If they do not improve, he might be the next EPL manager sacked.
Over the course of the last two weeks, West Ham have looked improved. Yet, they still fail to create enough big chances. They are tied with Wolves for the fewest goals scored this season. They have only allowed nine goals, so they have been firm in defense but need to create more.
The problem is they play a Wolves side who have always been strong in front of their own goal. Much like West Ham, Wolves have won just one match. They, too, struggle to score. They have scored just seven goals, have an xG of 1.6, and haven’t been sitting back. They have tried going forward and playing on the front foot, but they aren’t converting. I think this match is a low-scoring game with the real possibility of it ending 0-0.
Manchester City vs. Manchester United (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET)
The 188th playing of the Manchester Derby. A derby that City has dominated as of late. City have won three of the last four by two or more goals. Vegas thinks City should win; they are an overwhelming favorite. I would have to agree with Vegas. This is a lopsided matchup.
United have bounced back from a rocky start, yet, I don’t think this is a team worthy of being considered a top-five team. Erik ten Hag has been improving his club, and they have been training hard; they don’t just don’t have the quality on their team. They have made a few signings to get there, but the two teams have a talent gap.
Now they play a City team who is deep and talented. They lead the EPL in goals and goal differential. Despite being the second team on the table, they probably will still win the Premier League.
Both teams had plenty of players on international break. Some could rest; others might be banged up or have tired legs. I expect City to maintain the lion’s share of possession and limit the chances United see. I’d imagine it’s a low-scoring affair.
Prediction: Manchester City 2, Manchester United 0
Leeds vs. Aston Villa (Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ET)
Leeds were one of the fastest starters this season. Their summer signings seemed to have them going in the right direction. Now they are in a bit of limbo, but they know they can be good, but it will take some continuity. Jesse Marsch is still building this team to fit his tactics. First, they must improve defensively. They are leaky.
This week they play Villa, who aren’t great in front of the net. If I were to think of a game where I am confused about the scoreline, it would be this one. You could make a case for either team winning. Goals are probably expected, but I think it will likely disappoint.
Prediction: Leeds 1, Aston Villa 1
