Matchweek 9 kicks off Friday when West Ham visits Leeds in what will serve as an appetizer ahead of an action-packed weekend of EPL footy. Headlining the Saturday action will be Brighton’s trip to Old Trafford and Liverpool’s visit to Brentford, while Sunday provides Aston Villa vs. Manchester City and Everton vs. Tottenham – among others. Here are all of our expert soccer picks for the Matchweek 9 action in England.
EPL Best Bet: Leeds United ML over West Ham (-125)
Leeds fell to a damaging 2-0 defeat against relegation-rivals Burnley on Saturday, but the Whites may bounce back against a struggling West Ham on their return to Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s side were unfortunate to see their home unbeaten run ended against Tottenham before the international break after winning the tie on expected goals, shots, and shots on target, and that followed decent displays at home to Everton, Newcastle, and Bournemouth.
Friday’s opponents head to Elland Road having taken just 1 point from their last 5 Premier League outings, and their miserable display at home to Brentford on Monday did little to inspire confidence in new manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The Hammers managed just 1 shot on target in that 2-0 defeat and remain second bottom in the Premier League ladder, harbouring the worst defensive record in the division.
With points at a premium in this section of the table, back Leeds to inflict yet more misery on the beleaguered Hammers and put some distance between themselves and the drop zone.
Find our Leeds vs West Ham prediction
EPL Best Bet: Fulham vs Newcastle Over 2.5 (-110)
Newcastle are the clear favorites ahead of the visit from out-of-form Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday. The Magpies come into the match after a convincing 3-0 win over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League in midweek, and they take on a Fulham side that has lost its last 3 league assignments. A home win looks the most likely result, but the best betting angle could be the general -110 offer for over 2.5 goals.
Fulham dominated the meetings between these sides last season, winning both league games. Both teams scored in those meetings and we may see goals at both ends at St James’ Park, as Newcastle have conceded in 4 of their 7 home games across all competitions while Fulham have scored in 5 of their last 6 overall. Newcastle’s league games average a modest 1.75 goals per game, but in home games alone that figure stands at 2.75. Across all competitions, over 2.5 goals has been a winning bet in 5 of their 7 home games and with Fulham’s defense looking suspect, there is a decent chance we could see a high-scoring game in the north east.
Read our full Newcastle vs Fulham prediction
EPL Best Bet: Manchester United ML over Brighton (+100)
Manchester United secured what has to be the best result of Ruben Amorim’s time in charge so far last weekend, as they ran out 2-1 winners at Anfield. Now, they have to back that up against a tough Brighton side in a 12:30pm ET kick-off in the Premier League on Saturday.
Albion did the league double-over United last season and are on a 5-game unbeaten run, but at the current prices, a victory for the home side looks the best angle. Amorim and United have more than their fair share of critics, but in general, their results have been positive at Old Trafford. The Red Devils only loss at home this season came against current pacesetters Arsenal in the opening round of games, and they have won all 3 since – beating Burnley, Chelsea and Sunderland.
Brighton picked up an impressive 2-1 win over Newcastle last weekend at the Amex, but their road results have been mixed. The Seagulls have lost at Everton and Bournemouth, picked up a point at bottom club Wolves, and have 1 win – albeit an eye-catching 3-1 success at Chelsea.
Check out our Manchester United vs Brighton prediction
EPL Best Bet: Liverpool ML over Brentford (-130)
Liverpool ended a 4-game losing run in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, as they claimed a 5-1 Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt and now have a chance to get back on track in the league at Brentford in the evening kick-off on Saturday. The manner of the victory in Germany will also please under pressure Reds boss Arne Slot, as his side responded to conceding an early goal, but Brentford should put up a fight as they have only lost once at their Gtech Community Stadium home this season.
Brentford have picked up a win over Manchester United and held Chelsea to a draw at home this season, but Liverpool are a side they have struggled against in recent seasons. The Merseyside outfit have won each of the last 5 games between these 2 sides and should come into the game in confident mood after their midweek romp. Brentford didn’t offer a great deal in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in their last home match after conceding an early goal, and it could be a similar story against the defending champions on Saturday, so a Liverpool win is a confident pick here.
Read our full Brentford vs Liverpool prediction
EPL Best Bet: Tottenham vs Everton Draw (+240)
Everton’s move from Goodison Park to the Hill Dickinson Stadium was met with anticipation by the club’s fanbase, and David Moyes’ men have adjusted to their new surroundings brilliantly. The Toffees have beaten Brighton and Crystal Palace on Merseyside, while holding West Ham and Aston Villa to draws. Those wins over Brighton and Palace are noteworthy due to the 2 clubs’ expectations this season, as they target European football in the coming months.
Everton will settle for a draw this weekend against a Spurs team that are yet to lose this season on the road under Thomas Frank. Spurs come into the match on the back of a clash with Monaco in the Champions League away from home, and with fatigue being an issue, they too will not be disappointed to share the points.
Find our Tottenham vs Everton prediction
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