The English Premier League’s gameweek 9 will be headlined by Manchester United’s trip to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. The Red Devils are coming off of their bore draw away to Liverpool on Monday night. Meanwhile, Chelsea have won two straight, including last week’s 3-0 win over Leicester.
According to reports, Cesc Fabregas will miss out due to a thigh injury and defender Branislav Ivanovic should miss out as well. However, the Blues will have John Terry available for selection.
For United, Chris Smalling is a doubt as the defender is suffering from a muscle injury. Morgan Schneiderlin could be available as he will face a late fitness test.
United have failed to win in their last six attempts against Chelsea. With the way the Red Devils set out against Liverpool last week, it is expected Jose Mourinho’s side will do the same again.
Sunday’s other big game will see Southampton take on Manchester City. The Saints currently sit eighth in the Premier League, winners of three of their last four. However, Southampton have only won once in their last six attempts against Manchester City.
The Blue will have a lot to get off their collective chests after their midweek thrashing at the hands of Barcelona. That loss was Manchester City’s four consecutive match without a win. It isn’t time to panic, but everyone should take note of the team’s current stumble.
While Sunday’s games will top the bill, Saturday’s fixtures guarantee to thrill fans. Bournemouth host Tottenham in Saturday’s early match. Spurs are the Premier League’s only undefeated team and have given up the fewest goals (4). With Harry Kane injured, Spurs will once again rely on Son Heung-Min to lead the line.
Bournemouth have not won against Tottenham in their four previous meetings. However, after the Cherries 6-1 win over Hull last week, Bournemouth are flying high.
Second place Arsenal will host Middlesbrough, and the Gunners could go top of the league with a win or draw, at least for the day. Middlesbrough’s last win against Arsenal came in 2007 and the club have not won in the Premier League in their last six.
Theo Walcott is currently playing the best football of his career. The attacking midfielder has seven goals in his last six matches in all competitions. He could have a field day running at Middlesbrough’s defence.
Liverpool host West Brom in what could be a tricky fixture for the Reds. The Baggies are winless against Liverpool in their last six. However, West Brom have only lost once in their last six Premier League games. The team has drawn three straight and could stifle Liverpool’s attack in this one, earning their fourth straight draw. Both James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum could miss out through injury.
Saturday October 22, 2016
Bournemouth v Tottenham
Burnley v Everton
Swansea v Watford
West Ham v Sunderland
Hull City v Stoke City
Leicester v Crystal Palace
Arsenal v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v West Brom
Sunday October 23, 2016
Manchester City v Southampton
Chelsea v Manchester United
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