Predictions: Jack's Round 9 Premier League Picks

If this week's Premier League round is as eventful as last week's, we'll be in for a treat. Manchester United have finally won two games in a row, Burnley have kept things very interesting at the bottom, and speaking of Burnley, Sean Dyche is now back (at Forest)!

Last round

Though I really enjoyed Round 8, it wasn't because of my predictions. 4/10 with just the 1 Exact wasn't really what I needed. The point I picked up for getting the Palace vs. Bournemouth draw correct was completely wiped out by my stupid Wolves pick and what proved to be incredibly misguided faith in West Ham improving under Nuno.

Here are my thoughts on Round 9.

Leeds vs. West Ham

Not to go on about West Ham for too long, but man, they were absolutely abysmal on Monday night. I actually found myself laughing at certain parts of that game. Leeds are hardly a team you can bank on when making your predictions either but they are at least playing reasonably well at the moment so they ought to win this because West Ham surely can't improve enough to get a result inside a 4-day turnaround. Prediction: Leeds 2-0 West Ham

Chelsea vs. Sunderland

Sunderland just keep picking up points at the moment and they deserve enormous credit given pre-season expectations, but I'm going with Chelsea here. The Ajax game in midweek could hardly have gone better for Enzo Maresca as his decision to rest key players paid off with a very comfortable win against 10 men. Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Sunderland

Newcastle vs. Fulham

Fulham have been a bit unfortunate in the sense that their injury crisis has coincided with a very difficult run of fixtures, and it's hard to see things improving for them at St James' Park. I watched Newcastle's game against Benfica in the Champions League and if their wide players perform similarly on Saturday they'll almost certainly win this match as well. Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Fulham

Manchester United vs. Brighton

Manchester United's win at Anfield is a huge result for Ruben Amorim in terms of job security, and I was pleased for Harry Maguire, but I'm not yet convinced it means they've 'turned the corner'. I might well be if they win this match too, but I have a feeling Brighton might beat them. Amorim had a solid approach for last week's game, but Liverpool are in a strange place at the moment as we know, and this is now a very different kind of challenge with United expected to control proceedings at home.

Brighton showed some very bright glimpses in last week's win against Newcastle, playing through the lines very quickly via Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari and Georginio Rutter, and having won at Old Trafford several times in recent years I don't really see a reason why they can't do so again. Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Brighton

Brentford vs. Liverpool

Brentford away is never an easy game, but in some ways I'm thankful Liverpool managed a big win in Frankfurt on Wednesday as it just makes this prediction a bit more straightforward (or at least makes you feel more comfortable backing them). Alexander Isak was also injured in that game and if that means he's unavailable here, Arne Slot has the easier team selection decision to have Hugo Ekitike leading the line which is when they've looked best this season, in my opinion. Prediction: Brentford 1-3 Liverpool

Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace

Palace will give Arsenal more of a game than most teams can at present, but I don't think you can go against the Gunners at home currently as they're so strong defensively. Gabriel and William Saliba should be able to handle Jean-Philippe Mateta and the game will likely be controlled by Martin Zubimendi who is rightfully getting widespread praise now that he's in the Premier League; he's been the best and most consistent 6 in the world ever since Rodri's unfortunate injury. Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Aston Villa vs. Manchester City

This is a difficult prediction as Aston Villa don't lose many at home, and they haven't lost to City at Villa Park for a few seasons. However, I'm struggling to go against the visitors and particularly Erling Haaland on current form. Villa's away game in the Netherlands on Thursday night won't have helped preparation either, particularly since they lost, as City have had a couple of extra days since their win in Villarreal. Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Man City

Bournemouth vs. Nottingham Forest

If Ange Postecoglou was still in charge of Forest, I'd be backing Bournemouth in a heartbeat here, but Sean Dyche could well change things just as he did on Thursday night with Forest picking up a win over Porto in his first game in charge. Bournemouth should still be the better team, particularly with no midweek football to worry about, but I'm wondering if Forest manage a point? Bournemouth are at their best when they have some space to attack or a ball-playing defence to press and I'm not sure they'll find too much of either in this game now. Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Nottingham Forest

Wolves vs. Burnley

I'm not happy with Wolves after they let me down last week, but surely, surely, if they're going to win a match this season it's this one. In the same way it felt like Burnley had to win at home last week, this is a must for Vitor Pereira and his team. Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Burnley

Everton vs. Tottenham

Everton are still yet to lose at their new stadium, and on current form, I don't think Tottenham are the team to change that. The hosts will have a fresh Jack Grealish back to face a Spurs side that won't have had much prep time since an away game in Monaco. I'm going with a draw but think Everton are the more likely to find a winner if there is one. Prediction: Everton 1-1 Tottenham

Best of luck with your own Round 9 predictions! Feel free to leave them in the comments below.