The 2023-24 Premier League season is readying to start back up following what is already the second international break of the season, and fans of the English top flight will be eagerly anticipating the return of domestic football.
It looks set to be a blockbuster weekend of action as well, with big rivalries filling up the television slots and several meetings between sides with very little to separate them in the standings. That said, let’s get on with it and take a look at some of the standout fixtures from matchday nine.
Liverpool vs Everton
The Premier League resumes with the first Merseyside derby of the season, with Liverpool playing hosting duties to their local rivals Everton at Anfield. 12 places separate these two sides in the table, but the Reds have failed to win either of their last two outings — losing 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur and drawing 2-2 with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Therefore, Sean Dyche’s side might make the short trip across Stanley Park with some optimism having won two of their last three, with victories over Brentford and Bournemouth either side of a shock defeat to Luton Town. However, The Toffees have lost 2-0 on their last two outings to Anfield, and Jurgen Klopp’s men are the heavy favourites if you’re looking for a Liverpool v Everton bet.
Chelsea vs Arsenal
From Merseyside down to the capital now, as west London meets north London in the Saturday evening kick-off. Chelsea’s start to the season has been nothing short of turbulent, but three victories in succession against Brighton in the League Cup and Fulham and Burnley in the Premier League, have perhaps given the Blues fans a glimmer of hope that Mauricio Pochettino has steadied the ship.
This will be a big test of Chelsea’s mettle at Stamford Bridge, however. Arsenal are joint-top of the table alongside their local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and Mikel Arteta’s men are riding the crest of wave after beating defending champions Manchester City 1-0 at the Emirates last time out. The Gunners have won their last four games against Chelsea, and the bookies are tipping a fifth success.
Tottenham Hotspur otspvs Fulham
Sticking around in London for Monday Night Football (MNF), ‘soccer’ will once again take centre stage at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 23 after the state-of-the-art venue recently held its annual NFL fixtures — which saw the Buffalo Bills take on the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Baltimore Ravens face the Tennessee Titans.
Anyway, we digress. Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs have been a joy to behold so far this season and they will be out to ensure they can retain their spot at the top of the table when they welcome cross-city rivals Fulham. Marco Silva will be hoping his men can perform better than when they hosted Chelsea on MNF at the beginning of the month, as they lost 2-0 to the Blues at Craven Cottage.
Full list of fixtures
Liverpool vs Everton – 12:30, Saturday, 21 Oct
Brentford vs Burnley = 15:00, Saturday, 21 Oct
Bournemouth vs Wolves – 15:00, Saturday, 21 Oct
Nottingham Forest vs Luton Town – 15:00, Saturday, 21 Oct
Manchester City vs Brighton – 15:00, Saturday, 21 Oct
Newcastle United vs Crystal Palace – 15:00, Saturday, 21 Oct
Chelsea vs Arsenal – 17:30, Saturday, 21 Oct
Sheffield United vs Manchester United – 20:00, Saturday, 21 Oct
Aston Villa vs West Ham United -16:30, Sunday, 22 Oct
Tottenham vs Fulham – 20:00, Monday, 23 Oct
