Soccer Premier League

10 Bold Predictions For Week 9 Of the EPL Season

10 Bold Predictions For EPL Week 9

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Another jam-packed weekend of Premier League action is just around the corner, and there are plenty of cracking fixtures on the schedule once again as Manchester United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford and Tottenham Hotspur do battle with Alan Pardew's Newcastle. Here are 10 bold predictions of what to expect.

10. Re-jig Will Continue For Toffees

Everton v Aston Villa - Premier League
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10. Re-jig Will Continue For Toffees

Everton v Aston Villa - Premier League
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It's taken them some time, but their revival which truly began when they drew 1-1 with Liverpool is finally reaping them some benefits. A system-reboot of sorts is manifesting itself under Roberto Martinez's instructions, and with Romelu Lukaku, Steven Naismith and Seamus Coleman all back to their best, they'll easily see off the challenge of a poor Burnley outfit.

9. Baggies Will Narrowly Defeat Palace

Alan Irvine
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9. Baggies Will Narrowly Defeat Palace

Alan Irvine
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Patchy form for both sides in their last six matches means that this one could really go either way. However, at full tilt West Bromwich Albion look a heck of a lot better than Crystal Palace. Alan Irvine's men have had the tougher recent run-in and should go all out to get back on track.

8. Foxes And Swans Set For Draw

Paul Konchesky
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8. Foxes And Swans Set For Draw

Paul Konchesky
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Six places, yet only two points, separate the sides going into their weekend matchup; things are much closer than they at first appear. Both sides enter Saturday's late evening kick-off having fallen at their most recent hurdle, something that should provoke them into affirmative action. They'll cancel each other out.

7. Pardew's Pressure Will Persist

Alan Pardew
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7. Pardew's Pressure Will Persist

Alan Pardew
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Yes, they may well have snatched a stunning 1-0 win against Leicester at the weekend, but Alan Pardew still has some grovelling to get through. A win at Tottenham would help, and it's not totally out of the question. Papiss Cisse needs to be on his game and Adam Armstrong's inclusion will give them a morale boost.

6. Pelle To Net A Hat-Trick

Southampton v Sunderland - Premier League
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6. Pelle To Net A Hat-Trick

Southampton v Sunderland - Premier League
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Overall, Stoke City should pose a really tough test for this season's dark horses, Southampton. But Pelle is a natural poacher and he's in red-hot form, so we can expect him to rattle the net a few times. A hat-trick is a tall order for even the best of players, but if anyone can get one this coming weekend, it's Graziano Pelle.

5. Liverpool Will Struggle Defensively

Brendan Rodgers
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5. Liverpool Will Struggle Defensively

Brendan Rodgers
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Despite Brendan Rodgers' protestations that his side are on course to meet his standards, it's rather clear to everyone else that The Reds are in dire need of a reassessment. Last season, it was their defense that let them down, and although they face a multitude of deficiencies this time around, those problems still remain. Hull could snatch a shocking three points if they apply themselves and push Liverpool all the way.

4. Vargas To Star Against Villa

Queens Park Rangers v Liverpool - Premier League
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4. Vargas To Star Against Villa

Queens Park Rangers v Liverpool - Premier League
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Queens Park Rangers' Eduardo Vargas scored two at the weekend against Liverpool in a match they really should have gotten something out of. He'll be inspired to go out and help his side get off the bottom rung of the ladder.

3. Welbeck To Inspire With Goals

Danny Welbeck
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3. Welbeck To Inspire With Goals

Danny Welbeck
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Happy to have returned to scoring ways against Hull last weekend, the former Manchester United winger should continue in that vein with another belter at The Stadium Of Light. The Gunners may well have a long list of elements to tweak, but they are by no means out of the running for the title. Should their England international continue to bang them in, Arsene Wenger's men are sure to rise steadily up the table.

2. West Ham Set To Stun City

West Ham fan
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2. West Ham Set To Stun City

West Ham fan
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The Hammers are in a comfortable position right now and will view their clash with Manchester City as classic poor timing. Nonetheless, they've won their previous two matches against Burnley and Queens Park Rangers, so they're in good form with goals from both encounters. Home advantage will help, and if they reproduce the display they had against Liverpool, Enner Valencia and company will get a point.

1. Costa And Fabregas Will Silence Old Trafford

Cesc Fabregas
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1. Costa And Fabregas Will Silence Old Trafford

Cesc Fabregas
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A disappointing 2-2 draw at The Hawthorns for Louis van Gaal's team with Radamel Falcao sitting on the bench won't have proven the inspirational win they needed. The incomparable Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas are just too good for anyone to contain since they've come on board. It's going to be another sad day out for Red Devils fans.

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