The English Premier League 2021-22 entered Matchday 9 from Friday night. Meanwhile, Manchester United and Liverpool clash to headline the matchday, as we present the preview of the top sides.
Matchday 9 of the 2021-22 English Premier League (EPL) is upon us, as the title race has just begun to pick up the pace, despite being wide open. We have a high-profile encounter involving two EPL giants, as the result could decide the fate of the title race. In the same light, we present the preview of this matchday involving the top teams.
Arsenal dominates Aston Villa
The matchday began on Friday night, with Arsenal hosting 13th-placed Villa. It was expected to be an easy ride for the Gunners, and it eventually was so, as three goals from Thomas Partey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Emile Smith-Rowe sealed the game for it with a 3-1 victory. The win has temporarily taken Arsenal to ninth place, but it could still drop to 12th depending on other results during the weekend.
Chelsea looks to rout Norwich City
Chelsea is the current leader of the table and is in flawless form, while it would take on table bottomers Norwich City on Saturday, which is still in the hunt for its maiden win of the season. With the game being held at Stamford Bridge, an utter rout can be expected from The Blues, as a win would help it stay on the top, while a loss could see it fall to third.
Manchester City up against a tricky Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton has found a new mojo this season, placed fourth on the table. However, its fairy-tale run could get a setback as it hosts defending champion City on Saturday. Third-placed Cityzens would look for another goal rush, but it might not be easy considering the Seagulls' current form. Nevertheless, it is still the favourite for a win, as victory could take it to the top, while a loss could see it slump to fifth.
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Tottenham Hotspur looks to get going against West Ham United
Fifth-placed Tottenham has found its winning rhythm back and would look to continue the same run against a seventh-placed West Ham United on Sunday. It is expected to be intense between the two Londoners, with the Hammers having the home advantage. Yet, Spurs would eye a win, which would take it to third, while a loss could see it falling to tenth.
Can Leicester City stop Brentford's impressive run?
11th-placed Leicester has not had the ideal start to the season so far, while it would travel to take on ninth-placed Brentford on Sunday. The newly-promoted Bees has impressed all with its performance and could tame the Foxes. Nonetheless, Leicester needs a win here to possibly rise to sixth, while a loss could drop it to 14th.
Manchester United eyes change in fortunes against relentless Liverpool
Sixth-placed United has not been in the best of form, as the side is winless in its last three EPL games, with the pressure mounting on Ole Gunnar Solskjær. At this time, fierce rival Liverpool is visiting Old Trafford on Sunday. The Reds is the favourite here, but The Red Devils could use this as a platform to turn its fortunes around. A win for United could take it to fourth, while a loss could shrink it to tenth. For Liverpool, it eyes the top spot with a win, while a loss could push it down to third.