It’s been a long week for plenty of Premier League teams, especially those at the top in European action. With Week 9 now upon us, there are a few upsets on the cards. As you can see from my picks below...
[WATCH: PL TV schedule, Week 9 | Every PL game live online]
Here’s how I see things taking shape:
BASICALLY, FREE MONEY
Sunderland vs. Arsenal – (Saturday, NBCSN, 10 a.m. ET)
Okay, Sunderland got hammered 8-0 by Southampton and the players refunded their fans for the journey. It doesn’t get much worse than that. After a long week, expect the Gunners to pile the misery on the Black Cats.
Sunderland 1-4 Arsenal
Southampton vs. Stoke – (Saturday , Premier League Extratime, 10 a.m. ET)
The way Saints are going at the moment, it could be a three horse race between themselves, Chelsea and Man City for the title.... Hang on. Back in the real world, they are a great team to watch. Stoke will struggled to contain Tadic, Mane and Pelle. Easy home win.
Southampton 3-1 Stoke
Liverpool vs. Hull City – (Saturday, Premier League Extratime, 10 a.m. ET
Brendan Rodgers will surely shuffle his pack after the Reds’ third game in six long days. An arduous win over QPR set them off, but a humbling at the hands of Real reinforced how bad Liverpool are at the back. That said, they’ll handle Hull.
Hull City 1-2 Liverpool
Swansea City vs. Leicester City – (Saturday, NBC, 12:30 p.m. ET)
Love to see the spirit from young manager Garry Monk, but he has to calm down a little after accusing Victor Moses of being a “cheat” following their defeat to Stoke last week. Leicester are wobbling a little. Swans to nab all three points to ease the pressure.
Swansea 3-1 Leicester City
DON’T TOUCH THIS...
QPR vs. Aston Villa – (Monday, NBCSN, 3 p.m. ET)
This game has drawn written all over it. QPR without a win in four, while it’s four defeats on the spin for Villa in a tough stretch. Exepct a scrappy game.
QPR 1-1 Aston Villa
Burnley vs. Everton - (Sunday, Premier League Extratime, 9:30 a.m. ET)
The Clarets are still without a win, but they are trying bloody hard. Everton had an energy sapping 0-0 draw away at Lille and Burnley will look to take advantage of that.
Burnley 1-1 Everton
Tottenham vs. Newcastle - (Sunday, NBCSN, 9:30 a.m. ET)
Spurs may be hurting from a Europa League hangover too and I fancy a resurgent Newcastle to nick a point, maybe even all three.
Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle
“SO YOU’RE TELLING ME THERE’S A CHANCE...”
Manchester United vs. Chelsea – (Sunday, NBC, 12 p.m. ET)
I just really fancy United (see the video above for more info) to win this. Diego Costa may be out, while United will have RVP, Falcao, Mata and Di Maria in attack. Home win and a first defeat of the season for the Blues is a brave call, but he who dares, wins... right!?
Manchester United 3-1 Chelsea
West Ham United vs. Manchester City - (Saturday, NBCSN, 7:45 a.m. ET)
Okay, maybe City won’t lose this one, but the Hammers have won three-straight and are flying under Big Sam. After a long trip to Moscow on Tuesday and a late collapse to leave their UCL hopes in the ruins, the Citizens may struggle to get going. Score draw.
West Ham United 2-2 Manchester City
West Brom vs. Crystal Palace - (Saturday, Premier League Extratime, 10 a.m. ET)
Not so much an upset of sorts, but Palace are getting a little wobbly with two-straight defeats. This match should get them back on track as the Baggies will still be feeling the impact of their tight game vs. Man. United on Monday.
West Brom 1-2 Crystal Palace