Premier League Gameweek 9 Betting Preview

There’s another set of thrilling Premier League matches this weekend, with the biggest sides looking to recover from midweek European exertions in time to improve their top-flight position. Resurgent Manchester United host Brighton on Saturday in one of the most intriguing games of the weekend. Pressure on Ruben Amorim has lifted since United triumphed at Liverpool last Sunday and the Red Devils will be keen to build on their Anfield success.

Chelsea will expect three points when they welcome Sunderland to Stamford Bridge, while Newcastle host Fulham at St James’ Park. Brentford versus Liverpool is the final match of Saturday, kicking off at 8pm. Sunday sees four 2pm kick-offs, including table-toppers Arsenal tackling Crystal Palace and Aston Villa facing Manchester City. High-flying Bournemouth host Nottingham Forest in what is Sean Dyche’s first game in charge, while Wolves meet Burnley. Tottenham travel to Everton for the final contest of the weekend, kicking off at 4.30pm. 

Tip 1: Manchester United to beat Brighton @ 1/1

The sense of optimism around Old Trafford after Manchester United’s victory at Anfield is palpable. The bigwigs who appointed Amorim have been preaching patience and there have been signs that this faith will be rewarded. Amorim showed some great tactical nous in his team selection for the Liverpool trip, essentially accepting Virgil van Dijk would win the aerial battle but deploying a gaggle of players around him to feed off the scraps. The plan worked wonders.

Claiming three points at Liverpool has enthused the United squad, who will surely approach the Brighton mission with confidence. It is 49 matches since United won three successive games, but the even-money with bet365 about this scenario on Saturday looks a solid investment. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has some selection problems for the trip north, with Karou Matoma carrying an injury and doubtful, along with Brajan Gruda, Joel Veltman and Diego Gomez. This seems a fantastic opportunity for United to ride the wave of positivity which has suddenly arrived in the red half of Manchester. 

Tip 2: Bournemouth to score three goals or more @ 12/5

Nottingham Forest are on their third manager of the season and Dyche is the latest coach that trigger-happy chairman Evangelos Marinakis has entrusted with the keys to the City Ground. The uncertainty and instability at Forest makes them extremely vulnerable for their trip south to Bournemouth on Sunday, though.

Dyche’s chances of halting Forest’s slide down the Premier League table has not been helped by a Thursday-night Europa League game. With only two days to recover from a clash with Porto, Forest will probably struggle to repel Bournemouth, who are only four points off the top of the table. Bournemouth to score three goals or more is an attractive 12/5 chance with bet365.

Tip 3: Chelsea to beat Sunderland 4-0 @ 18/1

Chelsea fans enjoyed seeing their side crush Ajax 5-1 in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night and Blues followers will return to the same ground on Sunday expecting to witness another emphatic victory.

Chelsea, with teenage terror Reggie Walsh bolstering one of the strongest squads in the division, have an embarrassment of riches. The strength in depth means the Londoners can sustain full 90-minute performances and Chelsea to beat Sunderland 4-0 is an attractive 18/1 chance with bet365.