EPL Week 9 Predictions: Premier League Picks, Key Players and Fixtures
Sunday battles between north London and Merseyside clubs dominate the Premier League schedule in Week 9, as four teams in desperate need of a win for different reasons face off.
The first contest will see Everton host Arsenal at Goodison Park, before attentions turn to Wembley Stadium for Liverpool's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
Elsewhere, league leaders Manchester City will be seeking to continue their irresistible form at home to Burnley, while Manchester United travel to Huddersfield Town. Chelsea, meanwhile, will be looking to get back to winning ways when they host a strong Watford outfit.
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Read on for the fixtures in full, a prediction for each match and a closer look at a trio of players who will be expected to make the difference for their respective sides.
Premier League Week 9 Schedule
Friday, October 20
West Ham United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (1-0)
Saturday, October 21
Chelsea vs. Watford (2-1)
Huddersfield Town vs. Manchester United (0-3)
Manchester City vs. Burnley (3-0)
Newcastle United vs. Crystal Palace (2-0)
Stoke City vs. Bournemouth (2-1)
Swansea City vs. Leicester City (1-1)
Southampton vs. West Bromwich Albion (1-1)
Sunday, October 22
Everton vs. Arsenal (0-2)
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool (2-1)
Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City
As things stand, Manchester City's midfield maestro is in a class of his own after he orchestrated an incredible 7-2 win over Stoke City last time out.
The control, vision and technique Kevin De Bruyne showcased was mesmerising, as he pulled the Potters apart. The Belgium international set up two goals, linked play together and pushed City forward time after time; his injured team-mate Benjamin Mendy was impressed:
De Bruyne has now played in 100 games for City:
"We have come up against a sensational team and been found wanting," Stoke boss Mark Hughes said after the loss, per Joe Bernstein of MailOnline. "They have De Bruyne who is head and shoulders above any player in the Premier League in my view in because of the way he can dictate and affect the game."
Burnley will need a plan to contain De Bruyne, but no team has been able to do so yet in the Premier League this season.
Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal
Although there have been some positive signs from Alexandre Lacazette since his move to Arsenal from Lyon, he's struggled to show his best away from home.
Indeed, all of his goals for the Gunners so far have come at the Emirates Stadium, and in the 2-1 loss to Watford last time out, the Frenchman found it tough again. Lacazette was isolated and replaced in the second period.
Arsenal goalscoring legend Ian Wright thinks the France international would benefit from playing alongside another forward:
Given the Gunners' awful away record this season in the Premier League—they have drawn one and lost three of their four games—manager Arsene Wenger needs the club's record signing to find his touch on the road.
This Everton team, who have endured a torrid beginning to the campaign, feel like ideal opponents against whom the striker can break his away-goal duck.
Lacazette's movement and dynamism will be too good for a ponderous Toffees defence, and he'll fire his team to a much-needed away victory.
Hugo Lloris, Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham's excellent defensive record is often attributed to the fine work done by Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. But Hugo Lloris deserves credit for the part he plays, too.
The Spurs skipper is one of the finest goalkeepers around and put in another great performance in the win against Bournemouth on Saturday. When Eric Dier turned the ball inadvertently towards his own goal, Lloris plunged to his left to keep it out.
Former Sunderland goalkeeper David Preece noted the reactions of the France international:
Additionally, Lloris kept out Jermain Defoe late on to ensure Spurs notched their first victory in the Premier League at Wembley Stadium.
It's a win that means the pressure is off against Liverpool on Sunday to some degree. However, against one of the division's most dangerous attacking outfits, you sense the Tottenham goalkeeper will be a busy man again.
