Score Predictor tips for Matchweek 9 – will injuries hinder Arsenal against Liverpool?

YOU should know the procedure in regards to Score Predictor by now.

Simply submit predictions for the five selected Premier League games and then sit back as you earn points for the accuracy of your forecast.

Earn the most points and you’ll bank the £250 weekly prize – not bad for a free-to-play game, eh?

By all means trust your knowledge and/or gut instinct when entering your predictions if that’s how you roll but for those who prefer facts and figures, allow us to present some helpful context for each fixture…

Everton v Fulham

There’s hardly a cigarette paper between these two sides in the form table with both outfits having won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six outings – both have scored nine goals in that time too.

The Cottagers have had the edge over the Toffees in recent times and are unbeaten in their last six meetings in all competitions.

Marco Silva’s side also come out on top in the underlying numbers (xG, shots, etc) but will that be negated by Everton’s home advantage?

When unsure, we tend to opt for a score draw…

Our Prediction: 1-1 draw

Chelsea v Newcastle

These teams will play each twice in quick succession with a Carabao Cup meeting to follow in midweek but Sunday’s league game is the only concern for Score Predictor users.

The Magpies are without a win in their last four league outings while the Blues are still fourth in the form table despite defeat to Liverpool last time out.

Chelsea won the corresponding fixture 3-2 back in March when both Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer were on the scoresheet – we’re tempted to back a repeat.

That being said, Newcastle’s games have generally been more cagey, as evidenced by the fact they’ve scored and conceded just eight goals in their eight league games this season.

Our Prediction: 2-1 to Chelsea

Crystal Palace v Tottenham

Many neutrals had high expectations of the Eagles after they finished the 2023/24 campaign in such fine form but they’ve desperately struggled this season.

It’s a scary time for Oliver Glasner with Halloween closing in and his side still without a league win to their name.

And the Selhurst Park faithful will probably be dreading the visit of Spurs this weekend as the North London outfit have won the last five meetings between these teams, scoring 13 goals in the process.

Ange Postecoglou’s troops capitulated against Brighton before the international break but the broader outlook is encouraging after six wins out of their last seven games in all competitions – that would extend to seven in eight if they beat AZ Alkmaar this evening.

Our Prediction: 3-1 to Spurs

West Ham v Manchester United

The Hammers fell apart against Spurs last Saturday and their fans will be the first to acknowledge that wasn’t the first self-destruction of the campaign.

Julen Lopetegui has also watched his side crumble against Chelsea and Liverpool in the last month.

Erik ten Hag has endured a few sleepless nights of his own this season but he will have been buoyed by the Red Devils’ second-half display against Brentford, in which Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund combined for some tidy attacking moves.

West Ham won this fixture 2-0 last season but Man United got their revenge with a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford back in February.

We don’t have much faith in either of these bottom-half sides at present but the visitors showed signs of improvement last time out while the hosts will be without key man Mohammed Kudus, who is suspended.

Our Prediction: 3-2 to Man United

Arsenal v Liverpool

The main event.

Much of the narrative leading up to this one has revolved around the Gunners’ potential absentees.

It’s possible Mikel Arteta will be without Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori for the visit of the league leaders.

Liverpool have some injury concerns of their own, not least Diogo Jota and Alisson, but Arne Slot will be able to name a strong starting line-up nonetheless.

Arsenal have been defined by their parsimonious defence in recent times but they’re without a clean sheet in their last five domestic fixtures, not helped by their concerning disciplinary record.

The North Londoners boast the best home record in the top flight this term but Liverpool have a 100% record on the road – something has to give on Sunday.

Dare we say this might be a relatively good time to visit the Emirates?

Our Prediction: 2-1 to Liverpool

Enter your predictions for Matchweek 9 before Saturday’s 5:30pm deadline – £250 up for grabs!