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Premier League Gameweek 9: Predictions, best bets and odds

Premier League: Predictions, best bets and odds (Gameweek 9)
Premier League: Predictions, best bets and odds (Gameweek 9)AFP

The English Premier League season returns this weekend following a dramatic midweek of UEFA Champions League action. Flashscore’s football writer Frank Monkhouse previews the biggest games, including a London derby involving the league leaders. Keep reading for our EPL predictions, best bets and odds.

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Premier League round nine begins on Friday evening at Elland Road as Leeds United and West Ham United go head-to-head from 20:00 BST. Saturday's schedule brings followers a four-match programme, featuring big names like Chelsea and Man Utd

On Sunday, we have another five attractions, with kick-off times staggered from 14:00 to 16:30, which is great news for accumulator bettors and armchair fans.

Football writer and experienced gambler Frank Monkhouse uses the vital stats and trends available on the Flashscore app to create his Premier League predictions and best bets, highlighting where you'll find the most generous odds.

Leeds vs West Ham, Friday, 20:00 BST

Leeds vs West Ham
Leeds vs West HamAFP

The curtain goes up on round nine in Yorkshire, where Leeds host West Ham in a tantalising clash you can follow live on TV. The locals started the week down in 16th, just two places above the relegation zone. Leeds have won two, drawn two, and lost four, scoring seven goals, but conceding 13. They are just three points above the relegation zone.

West Ham United are second from bottom of the league, with only Wolverhampton Wanderers worse off at this stage. That ramps up the pressure on everyone inside the away dressing room before kick-off. The Hammers have just one win on the board, but haven't claimed maximum points in their last five games, taking one of the 15 points available.

Friday night's match doubles as an early relegation dog-fight. The winner will push themselves up the table, piling pressure on the loser, who will drop further into danger. With both teams losing their previous two, conceding a combined eight goals, we're happy to avoid picking the match-winner. Instead, we're taking both teams to score.

Tip: Both teams to score @ 4/5 (bet365)

Bet explanation: You need both Leeds and West Ham to score at least one goal each.

Chelsea vs Sunderland, Saturday, 15:00 BST

Chelsea vs Sunderland
Chelsea vs SunderlandAFP

One of only two matches kicking off in the traditional Saturday 15:00 slot comes from Stamford Bridge in London, where Chelsea line up against Sunderland. The home team know victory on their patch could lift them into the top four, settling behind current leaders Arsenal.

Sunderland are currently seventh in the pecking order, above the likes of Man Utd, Aston Villa, and Newcastle. A win in the big smoke would see them leapfrog their hosts. Beating Chelsea will require a huge effort, but it's certainly not beyond the Black Cats.

Here, we have two ambitious teams who are confident they have what it takes to collect all three points. Victory would drive one side up the pecking order, while pushing the loser towards mid-table. The Blues have won each of their last two Premier League games and the home support could drive them to a timely treble. Add Chelsea to your weekend accumulators.

Tip: Chelsea win @ 21/50 (bet365)

Bet explanation: If Chelsea beats Sunderland, your bet wins.

Man Utd vs Brighton, Saturday, 17:30 BST

Man Utd vs Brighton
Man Utd vs BrightonAFP

The first of a live double-header from the English Premier League on Saturday evening comes from the Theatre of Dreams, where Manchester United aim to put on a show against Brighton under the bright lights. The Red Devils have taken six points from their previous two games, and know a third would kick their season into gear. The locals are betting favourites.

Brighton enter round nine in a handy position, sitting tenth with a dozen points on the board. They are currently just three points off second-placed Bournemouth and take heart from an eye-catching four-game unbeaten record. The Seagulls have won two and drawn two in that period, including a battling 2-1 victory over Newcastle United last time out.

Man Utd are flying high on the back of a stunning 2-1 win at Anfield less than a week ago. The Red Devils refused to lie down to the champions, despite starting as the underdogs with all major bookmakers. United took the lead through Mbeumo inside two minutes and snatched a late winner thanks to Maguire. We're sticking with the home team.

Tip: Man Utd win @ 1/1 (bet365)

Bet explanation: You need Man Utd to beat Brighton, regardless of the winning margin.

Brentford vs Liverpool, Saturday, 20:00 BST

Brentford vs Liverpool
Brentford vs LiverpoolAFP

We're in London for the main event, as Brentford host Liverpool before the TV cameras. The Bees are stuck down in the bottom half of the Premier League table following a less-than-impressive start to the campaign. Two wins from their last three tries suggest better times are ahead, but the hosts know they must find consistency if they're to build.

Liverpool are the Premier League champions in a world of trouble. The Reds have been poor, by their lofty standards, losing three games on the bounce and slipping to fourth in the pecking order. Another loss would pile pressure on Arne Slot's squad, who appear low on confidence and out of ideas. They must work hard to stop the rot before things get worse.

Liverpool lost 2-1 to both Chelsea and Man Utd this month, conceding an early goal in both starts. Brentford opened with a 1-0 home defeat to Man City before responding to beat West Ham United 2-0 in East London last time. Were the Bees good that day or the Hammers woeful again? I'm happy to sit on the fence until we see better from the champions.

Tip: Both teams to score @ 4/7 (bet365)

Bet explanation: You need both Brentford and Liverpool to score at least one goal each.

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, Sunday, 14:00 BST

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Arsenal vs Crystal PalaceAFP

Sunday offers several tantalising EPL games, including a London derby at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal sit on top of the Premier League, boasting six wins, one draw, and a single defeat. Mikel Arteta's Gunners enter unbeaten in six and have won their previous three. They enjoy a three-point cushion over Man City, who face a tricky trip to Villa Park.

Crystal Palace won the Community Shield and have enjoyed some early-season upsets in the top-flight. The Eagles have proven themselves a match for any side on their day, but are winless in their last two games, taking one of the six points available. Victory in North London could lift them into the top four, and that'll be the driving force this week.

If this match follows the form, Arsenal will add another three points and strengthen their position at the summit. The Gunners appreciate the importance of consistency, having finished second in the last two seasons. These neighbours have shared 21 goals in their previous five meetings, including a 2-2 draw here back in April. We're taking over 2.5 goals.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/5 (bet365)

Bet explanation: If the Gunners and Eagles score a combined three or more goals, your bet wins.

Aston Villa vs Man City, Sunday, 14:00 BST

Aston Villa vs Man City
Aston Villa vs Man CityAFP

Our final pick from Premier League matchday nine sees Aston Villa play Manchester City at Villa Park. The home team didn't exactly hit the ground running this season, but they're improving, and fast. Villa are unbeaten in five games and have won their last three. That purple patch includes a 2-1 win at Spurs last Sunday. Can they claim another huge scalp?

Man City is another team that toiled in the early exchanges, but you can never write off Pep Guardiola's big names. The visitors arrive in Birmingham with four wins and a draw in their last five, including an eye-catching 2-0 home win over Everton in the previous round. They're currently second in the table and hope to pile pressure on the current leaders, Arsenal.

The best version of Aston Villa is good enough to claim the points here, while Man City at their best would make light work of their hosts. Both teams are capable on their day, but have blown hot and cold in the early part of this season. Two confident teams with plenty of firepower, we're settling on both teams to score. You can add that to your weekend acca.

Tip: Both teams to score @ 8/13 (bet365)

Bet explanation: If Aston Villa and Man City get at least one goal each, you'll bank the profits.

Discover the Best Betting Bonuses

If you're looking to take advantage of the Premier League matches for your bets, Flashscore is here to help. On our betting bonuses page, you'll find some of the best promotions and bonus codes on the market.

The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.