Premier League Matchday 9 Odds & Picks: Liverpool to Cruise Past Struggling Manchester United

• Liverpool head to Old Trafford as favorites
• Chelsea face rejuvenated Newcastle
• Crystal Palace could trouble Manchester City

The Premier League returns after the international break with both Manchester clubs looking to bounce back after defeats last time out. The two teams face difficult tasks this weekend, however, with United hosting Liverpool and City heading to London to face an in-form Crystal Palace side.

Tottenham have slipped to ninth after two defeats in their last three matches, while Leicester have retained a place in the top four despite suffering defeat at Anfield before the break. Plenty of attention will be on the big clubs, but it’s a big weekend at the other end of the table too. Southampton, Everton and Norwich are all looking to end losing streaks with Marco Silva in particular under severe pressure.

With one managerial casualty in the Premier League already this season, Silva could be the second if the Toffees do not get a positive result in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off against the talented Hammers.

Premier League Matchday 9 Odds

*Odds taken on 10/15/19

EPL Pick 1: Chelsea vs Newcastle

Steve Bruce was in the aforementioned group of under pressure managers until a shock win over Manchester United before the break. The Magpies have been uninspiring at both ends of the pitch this season, but with wins over Spurs and United, have shown they can produce an upset.

Chelsea are on their best run of the campaign, having amassed four wins on the bounce. Frank Lampard has shown tactical flexibility this season. Unlike the turgid football of Maurizio Sarri last season, Lampard will send Chelsea out to attack from the first whistle on Saturday with Newcastle likely to sit very deep.

Mason Mount has created more chances (17) than any other Chelsea player this season.

The England international is set for his full debut against Czech Republic. pic.twitter.com/9LlVP6BYTW

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 11, 2019

Premier League top scorer Tammy Abraham presents the main threat for the Blues, along with fellow academy graduate Mason Mount. Mount had a difficult time for England against the Czech Republic during the break, but he is expected to start ahead of fellow England international Ross Barkley at Stamford Bridge.

Mount and Abraham have displayed an understanding this season, allowing both of them to flourish. Mount’s runs into the box will be key as Chelsea try to break down a Newcastle defense that frustrated Manchester United.

Pick: Mason Mount to score at +160

EPL Pick 2: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City

Crystal Palace have won two, drawn two of their four home league matches this season. Everton, Aston Villa, Wolves and Norwich are incomparable to Pep Guardiola’s two-time reigning champions, but Roy Hodgson’s side will carry plenty of confidence into this match. The Eagles have conceded just once in those four matches.

Significantly overachieving their expected numbers thus far, Palace aren’t going to end the season in the top six, but they shouldn’t be disregarded ahead of this clash. After all, they notched a shock against City last season thanks to an Andros Townsend wonderstrike.

Aymeric Laporte is as indispensable to Manchester City as Virgil van Dijk is to Liverpool

— DS8 🇭🇺 (@SzoboszlaiRole) October 6, 2019

In the absence of Aymeric Laporte, City are vulnerable. The Fernandinho and Nicolas Otamendi central defensive partnership has been shambolic. Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan are not providing enough protection from midfield.

Palace average 45.7% possession this season – they will sit deep and look to absorb pressure before releasing the electric Wilfried Zaha. For all the concerns about City at the moment, it’s still hard to bet against them. Backing Zaha to find the net is the best value at Selhurst Park.

Pick: Wilfried Zaha to score at +400

EPL Pick 3: Manchester United vs Liverpool

The only team in Europe’s top five leagues with a perfect record, Liverpool head to Old Trafford as heavy favorites. Manchester United are 15 points behind their bitter rivals and have won just twice in their eight league matches so far this season.

3️⃣ Games
3️⃣ Wins

👏 @premierleague Manager of the Month 👏 https://t.co/zWxr4RDXpn

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 11, 2019

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could have Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial available after injury lay-offs. The returns of Pogba and Martial are particularly crucial to rejuvenate the attack. Only four teams have lower non-penalty expected goals in the Premier League this season than Manchester United.

There’s a gulf in class between these two teams. It shows how far Manchester United have fallen that it would be a shock if they avoid defeat at home to Liverpool. It might not be high scoring, but a comfortable Liverpool win is probable.

Pick: Liverpool to win and under 2.5 goals at +300