A title shaping clash headlines Matchday 9 of the 2024-25 English Premier League season, as Arsenal and Liverpool face off at Emirates Stadium. The top of the table remains entertainingly close, and Jack Tobin has you covered with his best bets of the weekend below. Good luck to everyone following along!
EPL 2024-25: Matchday 9 Preview & Betting Tips
Chelsea vs Newcastle
Stamford Bridge, Monday 28th October, 1:00am AEDT
Chelsea’s six game unbeaten streak came to an end at the hands of league leaders Liverpool, courtesy of a 2-1 defeat. It was a frustrating outing for the Blues who recorded more shots on goal (12-9), and more possession (58%), however their inefficiency in attack was their downfall. Chelsea only had 2 shots on target, in a costly loss which saw them drop to sixth on the Premier League table. After a bright start to the season, Newcastle continues to slide, falling to ninth after a 1-0 defeat at home against Brighton.
Newcastle are now winless from their last four games, despite winning the shot count 21-10 and holding 60% possession against Brighton. Newcastle struggles in the front third are becoming alarming, having scored only two goals across their last four matches. In contrast, Chelsea have scored nine goals across their last four games, and will be confident that they can stretch Newcastle if they get the tempo of the game on their terms.
Chelsea are the third highest scoring team (17) in the league, while Newcastle are the third best defence in the Premier League having conceded only 8 goals this season. Whichever side can get the flow they want on the game, will be able to win the battle of Chelsea’s defence and Newcastle’s attack. Newcastle are 1-2-1 in away games so far this season, and haven’t had a single win in their last eleven Premier League fixtures at Stamford Bridge. All signs point towards a Chelsea win at home, to keep themselves within reach of the top four.
Chelsea to Win
$1.80 (2 Units)
West Ham vs Manchester United
London Stadium, Monday 28th October, 1:00am AEDT
London Stadium plays host for a clash between two struggling clubs as 15th placed West Ham take on 12th placed Manchester United. Manchester United got back on the winners list with a 2-1 win over Brentford, in a game they thoroughly controlled but failed to capitalise on the scoreboard. West Ham were hammered 4-1 by Tottenham, a result that leaves them with just one win from their last six games and only five points clear of the bottom three.
The Hammers struggles this season have resulted from their defence, which are ranked 17th in the Premier League. West Ham have conceded 15 goals in 8 games, and haven’t recorded a clean sheet since Matchday 2. West Ham’s defence was all at sea against Spurs, allowing 22 shots on goal and conceding 4 goals. It was the third time in eight games this season that West Ham allowed three or more goals in a game. On the other hand, the Red Devils struggles this season have come in the front third, having scored only 7 goals - the fourth fewest in the league.
Given their inconsistencies, both sides play high variable games, which leaves this game wide open. The Hammers will want a free-flowing game and hope their defence can hold up well enough, while United will likely want to make this a dour affair. Two of Manchester United’s last four games have ended in draws, and given both teams have only won one of their last four games, it’s difficult to see this being a fluent game. It’s going to be a struggle for both sides, and will end in a deadlock in London.
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Emirates Stadium, Monday 28th October, 3:30am AEDT
Matchday 9 concludes with a blockbuster matchup, as Liverpool travel to London to take on Arsenal. The Reds sit at the top of the table thanks to a gritty 2-1 win over Chelsea, which was their seventh win from eight games to start the season. Arsenal now sit four points behind the league leaders, after Bournemouth upset the Gunners 2-0. William Saliba was red carded in the 30th minute, meaning he will miss the crucial clash against Liverpool.
Liverpool have been elite at both ends of the pitch this season, having the best defence in the league (3 goals conceded) and the equal fourth best attack (15 goals scored). Arsenal rank fourth and equal fourth respectively in those categories, as this matchup looms as a genuine title shaping clash. A win for the Reds would leave the Gunners 7 points behind Liverpool and likely 6 behind Man City, which would be a massive dent in Arsenal’s title hopes.
Two of the last three Premier League games between these two sides have ended in draws, and Arsenal have had a habit of playing conservatively in league fixtures against Liverpool and City over the past two seasons. This approach leaves Arsenal incredibly vulnerable against a red-hot Liverpool side, that has won four games in a row. The Reds have played an incredibly well balanced brand of football under Arne Slot, which has continued to hold up in different scenarios across the opening eight games of the season. Liverpool are in a perfect position to claim a crucial win on the road.
Liverpool to Win
$2.90 (1 Unit)
