Premier League 2026/27 Matchday 9 predictions: Manchester United manager faces make-or-break game at Chelsea

Premier League 2026/27 Matchday 9 predictions: Manchester United manager faces make-or-break game at Chelsea The 2026/27 Premier League season rolls on this weekend with another eye-catching line-up of matches. Read on as we preview the Matchday 9 fixtures, starting with a clash which could have huge implications for Manchester United. Chelsea vs Manchester United The Red Devils head into the game at Chelsea just one point above the relegation zone. The mood around the club is ugly. Manager Michael Carrick will be in charge at Stamford Bridge, but another defeat would probably cost him his job. Chelsea’s inconsistency gives United a chance to take something from the game. However, backing them to win would be a brave move. Bournemouth vs Leeds United Bournemouth have recovered from a slow start to the season to reel off five consecutive victories in all competitions. They have achieved the feat without conceding a goal and will fancy their chances of extending that record at home to Leeds United. The Whites have lost just once in the league this term (D5, L2), which suggests they can make life difficult at the Vitality Stadium. Coventry City vs Sunderland The battle of the bottom two teams in the Premier League promises to be a fiercely fought encounter. Coventry City have won twice since winning promotion to the top flight and will be desperate to take something from Saturday’s game. However, Sunderland are unbeaten in their last three outings in all competitions and are fancied to pick up three points this weekend. Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion will meet at the Etihad Stadium for the second time in four days on Saturday. City defeated Brighton on penalties in the fourth round of the League Cup in midweek, and another tough encounter is on the cards. The Seagulls will be eager to gain their revenge, having given City plenty to think about in their cup clash. Brentford vs Nottingham Forest After four games without a win in all competitions, Brentford have a good chance to return to winning ways this weekend. Nottingham Forest have picked up just one point from their last four league games and have scored just twice during that disappointing run. Forest did the double over Brentford last season, which should boost their confidence ahead of the game. Hull City vs Ipswich Town Hull City and Ipswich Town have defied expectations since winning promotion from the Championship by each collecting ten points from their first eight games. Home advantage could give the Tigers a slight edge as Ipswich have lost three of their four away fixtures this season. However, the Tractor Boys are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Hull (W4, D1) and should return home with at least a point. Prediction: Draw. Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace Tottenham Hotspur have bounced back from a sticky start to the season by collecting seven points from their last three league games. They were impressive at Chelsea last weekend, and are a good bet to record another victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Palace are just one place above the relegation zone ahead of Matchday 9 and may struggle to match Spurs. Prediction: Tottenham to win. Aston Villa vs Fulham Aston Villa were dumped out of the League Cup by Bournemouth midweek, but were in fine form before that result. After fielding a much-changed starting XI against the Cherries, manager Unai Emery will have all of his big-hitters back at Villa Park. Fulham have won their last two league games without conceding a goal, but they look set for a tough outing in the Midlands. Liverpool vs Arsenal The clash between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday could have a major bearing on the composition of this season’s title race. The Gunners are level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table. Liverpool are six points behind that duo. If the Reds win this weekend, they will be classed as title contenders. However, a defeat would leave them nine points behind Arsenal. Newcastle United vs Everton Newcastle United halted a two-game losing skid with a 2-0 victory over Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend. That result moved them up to eighth in the Premier League, one point and three places above Monday opponents Everton. The Toffees have failed to score in their last two league outings against Chelsea and Arsenal, and will be keen to halt their slide at St James’ Park.