Matchday nine of the Premier League sees the return of the biggest game in the competition, Manchester United against Liverpool.
This is by far one of the most-watched games in the world. You can argue it has come at a better time for Sunday’s visitors, Liverpool, who are flying high across all competitions and not a very good time for their hosts, who have been inconsistent for the better part of the season.
United had a confidence boost on Wednesday evening courtesy of yet another comeback win, beating Atalanta 3-2 in the Champions League after trailing 2-0 in the first half.
Just like their last win in the Champions League against Villarreal, United didn’t have a good performance and were second best particularly in the first half against an Atalanta side missing several key players.
Liverpool head to Old Trafford at the back of a crucial 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid. They are huge favourites but the return of Marcus Rashford, who has found the net twice in a row should be a little concern for Jurgen Klopp.
Attack-wise, Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino have destroyed defences in the last couple of weeks, scoring three goals in all seven of their away matches this season. United defence will have a long day keeping them out alongside Diogo Jota, who is expected to be called from the bench.
I predict a 1-3 win for Liverpool.
Chelsea are feeling good as they remain top of the league and had a big win over Malmo in the Champions League.
Injuries to Timo Werner and summer signing Romelu Lukaku mean we are likely to see Kai Havertz lead the line against winless Norwich City.
Despite not winning this season, Norwich seem to have put emphasis on defending with back-to-back 0-0 draws against Burnley and should try to keep off Chelsea.
With Chelsea attackers not firing well this season, Norwich fans can hope for an unlikely point.
Arsenal seemed to have turned their fortunes around just before the international break but have not performed to expectations against mid-table teams.
A barren draw at Brighton and last week's 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at the very end shows there’s still a lot of work to be done by Mikel Arteta.
Aston Villa’s inconsistencies continued against Wolves as their attacking signings are yet to line up together.
Villa has won the last three matches against Arsenal which makes me feel they won’t leave the Emirates empty-handed.
Man City head to Brighton, where they surprisingly lost last season, but remain overwhelming favourites to win this time round.
Brighton are unbeaten in six matches and have kept four clean sheets including three 0-0 draws in the last three matches and their plan will be to shut out City. Pep Guardiola’s side are bullish heading to the game after running riot in Belgium where they beat Club Brugge 5-1.
A 2-1 win for Man City is the likely result.
It’s a big weekend as Newcastle begin post-Steve Bruce life away to Palace, Leeds welcome Wolves, Everton host Watford hoping Richarlison can play, Burnley head to Southampton, West Ham host Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City head to Brentford.
