The Premier League is back, and after eight gameweeks, the league table is starting to take shape. And now, it’s time for a preview of gameweek nine!
Grosvenor Sport ambassador Jamie O’Hara is here to break down three must-watch match-ups, including the massive Arsenal vs Liverpool six-pointer on Sunday.
Chelsea vs Newcastle – Sunday 14:00
Chelsea’s attack is fine—it’s their defence that’s shaky. Especially when it comes to the goalkeeper. They’ve got so many keepers, and none of them stand out! Robert Sánchez wouldn’t make it into any top-six side, probably not even a top-half team. He was second-choice at Brighton, and now he’s Chelsea’s number one. That’s a red flag. You can see the uncertainty when the ball goes back to him; players hesitate.
Just look at the second Liverpool goal—it’s a basic goalkeeping move, come out and smother it! Chelsea had just equalised, but Sánchez was slow to react, and that’s not good enough. They need a proper keeper in January, no doubt. The problem isn’t scoring—Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke have that covered—it’s at the back where the issues lie.
As for Newcastle, they’ve been a mixed bag. They haven’t been playing particularly attractive football, but they’re grinding out the odd result. They looked pretty toothless against Brighton, though. And come on, they still have Dan Burn in the team! No disrespect, Burn’s had a brilliant career, but with billionaire owners, we expected some superstar signings by now. I mean, we were expecting Newcastle to sign the next Paolo Maldini! Credit to them for staying competitive, but it’s tough when you can’t splash the cash.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle (6.5/1)
West Ham vs Man United – Sunday 14:00
West Ham have been a disaster this season! They brought in Julen Lopetegui, spent a ton of money, and it’s done absolutely nothing for them. All those fans who wanted David Moyes out must be kicking themselves now. I saw this coming – it’s that classic saying, “Be careful what you wish for!”
David Moyes brought stability to West Ham, and let’s not forget, he delivered a European trophy. He’s probably been their best manager in the last 40 years! Yet some fans still wanted him out. Why? Because they thought West Ham could reach “the next level”? Newsflash: that was their level under Moyes! Finishing sixth or seventh most seasons, getting Europa League football – that was the ceiling. And now they’ve totally messed it up. Lopetegui? He’s just a bang-average manager.
The players look lost, and defensively, they’re a shambles – gaps all over the pitch! And some people still think Lopetegui’s better than Moyes? Come on, you’re having a laugh. West Ham have shot themselves in the foot, and honestly, they deserve it! I wouldn’t be shocked if Moyes is back by Christmas, because they definitely need him. As for their game against Manchester United, West Ham have to win, or Lopetegui’s going to feel some serious heat. I reckon he might be the Premier League manager people are looking at to get the sack next.
Now, onto Man United. They’re totally average too! You never know which version of them is going to show up, so predicting how they’ll play is impossible. There’s just no identity to that team. Sure, they might pull off the odd win with players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford – top talents who can turn a game on their own.
But do I think they’re turning a corner? Not a chance! Erik ten Hag somehow scrapes results when he needs to, but this one’s going to be tight. Both West Ham and Man United are at the same level right now, low on confidence. I’m calling it – this will end in a draw. Neither team is great at the moment.
Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Man United (5.75/1)
Arsenal vs Liverpool – Sunday 16:30
Arsenal are in big trouble right now. They’ve got major injuries—no Bukayo Saka, no Martin Ødegaard, no Riccardo Calafiori. On top of that, Saliba’s red card adds to their woes. It’s a tough time for them to face Liverpool, especially since this is a six-pointer! If Arsenal lose, they’ll be seven points off the pace in the title race already.
The big question is, how does Mikel Arteta approach this game? Does he go defensive and make Arsenal hard to beat? Personally, I think he has to take a gamble. Play Ethan Nwaneri as an outlet—he’s looked sharp, the fans like him, and Arsenal are missing that spark in midfield. Put Kai Havertz as the focal point and let Nwaneri operate as a number 10, getting involved around the box. Arteta has to roll the dice a bit here.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are looking like the real deal this season—super tough to beat. And then there’s Mohamed Salah, who’s just on another level, scoring goals every week. Liverpool need to sort out his contract ASAP and pay him whatever it takes. He’s one of the best right-wingers in the world, and if Liverpool aren’t ready to give him £400k a week, the likes of Real Madrid could swoop in during January and offer even more. Sometimes top players deserve top wages—just look at Sadio Mané. Liverpool need to hold onto Salah.
As for the game itself, I think it’ll be a cagey one. Both teams are going to be tough to break down, and it could come down to just one goal.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool (4.8/1)