As the 2025-26 Premier League season reaches Matchday 9, experts offer their takes on key fixtures including Arsenal vs Crystal Palace and Manchester United vs Brighton. Arsenal lead the predictions challenge with strong defensive form, having conceded just three goals in eight matches.
The Premier League's Matchday 9 kicks off with Leeds United hosting West Ham United on Friday. Predictions vary: The Athletic's subscriber Andrew forecasts a 1-0 Leeds win, citing home advantage and West Ham's recent struggles, while writer Oli Kay predicts 2-0 for Leeds. NBC Sports' Nick Mendola sees a 1-1 draw, noting Leeds' unlucky xG differential and West Ham's poor form after a Monday loss.
Saturday features Chelsea vs Sunderland, with Oli Kay predicting 2-1 for Chelsea despite Sunderland's competitive start of four wins and two draws. Mendola calls for a 2-0 Chelsea victory as a reality check for the Black Cats. Newcastle United vs Fulham draws a 2-0 Newcastle win from Kay, boosted by their recent 3-0 over Benfica, while Mendola predicts 2-1.
Manchester United, on a two-match win streak, face Brighton. Both Kay and NBC's Joe Prince-Wright predict 2-1 United wins, with Harry Maguire emphasizing the need to follow up their Liverpool victory. Brentford vs Liverpool sees Kay at 1-2 and Prince-Wright at 1-3 for Liverpool, who seek to end a three-match PL losing streak.
Sunday's Arsenal vs Crystal Palace highlights Arsenal's miserly defense—three goals conceded in eight games, including clean sheets in their last two. Kay predicts 2-0, Mendola and Prince-Wright 2-1. Aston Villa vs Manchester City: Kay ties at 1-1, Mendola 0-2 City, noting City's chance creation led by Erling Haaland. Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest: both sources predict 2-1 Bournemouth. Wolves vs Burnley: Kay 1-0 Wolves, NBC's Andy Edwards 2-1. Everton vs Tottenham ends in predicted draws: 1-0 Everton (Kay) vs 1-1 (Mendola).
Arsenal's algorithm leads the prediction challenge after nailing recent 2-0 and 1-0 results.