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The Premier League is back to its very best. There has been no shortage of drama or excitement in the last eight game-weeks. The ninth game-week is expected to only increase the hype, with the race for the top of the table and the European spots gaining pace.
The eighth matchday saw Chelsea keep their place at the top of the table with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Brentford.
Liverpool remain in second spot with 18 points, one short of the league leaders. The Reds are still unbeaten in the Premier League and ruthlessly demonstrated their might against Watford in a 5-0 win.
Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have won their respective fixtures to put the pressure at the top.
Meanwhile, fourth-placed Brighton managed a 0-0 draw but Manchester United succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against Leicester City. The Red Devils slipped onto sixth place with 14 points from eight matches.
With some crucial and high voltage encounters set to be played in game week 9, we will give you our top five predictions. Without further ado, let's take a look at
Top 5 predictions for GW 9 of the Premier League
#5 Unstoppable Chelsea to demonstrate their might against Norwich City
There is no such thing as easy fixtures in the Premier League but Chelsea will be hoping for a comfortable ride against Norwich City. The top team in the league will face the team at rock bottom and anything less than three points will be a poor result for the Blues.
Norwich City are yet to secure a win so far in the English top flight. In their eight games, they have managed six defeats and just two draws. It goes without saying that things are not looking good for Norwich and they face a stern challenge against the league leaders.
Chelsea will be without forwards Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner for the clash due to injury. Despite their absentees, the Blues are still expected to collect all three points against Norwich to stay at the top of the Premier League table.
#4 Brentford vs Leicester City to be a tight affair
Their big win against Manchester United is a huge confidence booster for Leicester City but they will face a tough test against Brentford. Leicester dominated the Red Devils, winning the match 4-2 at home.
However, Brentford will pose a serious threat in game-week 9. Even in their defeat against Chelsea, Brentford showed that they are no pushovers. They have made it difficult for every team they have faced so far this season and will be hoping for a win against Leicester.
They got a 3-3 draw against Liverpool. It was only Edouard Mendy's heroics that prevented them taking a point away from Chelsea as well.
Things can go either way with Leicester talisman Jamie Vardy in such good form. However, our guess is that neither side will truly dominate, with the match ending in a draw.
#3 Brighton away to be a challenge for Manchester City
Brighton Hove Albion are the dark horses in the current Premier League campaign.Their powerful displays have propelled them into a Champions League spot, much to the shock of fans and critics.
Brighton are currently fourth in the Premier League, just two points below third-placed Manchester City. Like Pep Guardiola's team, Brighton have endured just one loss so far in the Premier League campaign, a 2-0 loss to Everton.
Brighton are proving tough opponents to defeat and will look to close the gap when they face Manchester City in their ninth game-week.
Guardiola's men will be hoping for a victory to maintain the pressure against the top two but Brighton can deal a serious blow early into their league campaign. Escaping with a point against the might of City is always tough but Brighton might just be the team to do it.
#2 Liverpool to seal win against rivals Manchester United
Sparks will fly as two arch rivals, Liverpool and Manchester United, go head to head in the Premier League on Sunday. This is one of the most enticing fixtures in the English top flight due to the rich history and heritage of the two teams.
In the current Premier League campaign, Liverpool remain the only unbeaten team in the competition. Jurgen Klopp's men are undisputed at home or away and are on a massive run of victories.
Liverpool have been ruthless against opponents so far and it will take something similarly brilliant to defeat them. Manchester United have all the firepower to stop the Reds' unbeaten streak but recent form is not in the favor of Ole Gunner Solskjaer's men.
With plenty of match winners in both teams, the result of the tie can go either away. Our guess is that Liverpool will sneak away with a tough victory and take home all three points.
#1 Mo Salah to win individual battle against Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo made a sensational return to his former club Manchester United in the summer. Since his arrival, the Portuguese great has been in scintillating form and has racked up six goals in all competitions for the Red Devils. Two of his three Champions League goals have been winners against Villareal and Atalanta, showing his importance to the team.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah has been one of the best forwards in Europe this season. No one is yet to match the caliber of the Egyptian. Salah has bagged 12 goals and four assists in all competitions for Liverpool, with seven of his goals coming in the Premier League.
While it is foolish to predict against someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, the Egyptian has arguably been more decisive through his exploits. Our guess is that Salah will once again grab the headlines with his explosive nature on the pitch and win this individual battle.
