EPL Gameweek 9 Preview: Liverpool Host Leicester as Mourinho and Pep Rejuvenate Rivalry

The English Premier League returns this weekend after the international break had halted local leagues in most part of Europe in the last two weeks.

In what is expected to be an entertaining gameweek, Manchester City travel to London as they hope to inflict a second league defeat (of the campaign) on high-flying Mourinho’s men who have been in great form this season. In this fixture, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola rekindle their long history of rivalry which dates back to their time in Spain for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. Pep, who just signed a new contract which will see him remain at Etihad Stadium until 2022 will be eager to see his side run away with all points in the encounter after gaining just 12 points from their first 7 games.

Manchester United host West Brom in Saturday late kickoff. Ole’s men will hope to put behind their poor home record and grab all three points against 18th placed West Brom. Having narrowly lost to Tottenham in their last game, West Brom will be eager to perform well and claim victory against a United side that have not won a league game at Old Trafford this season. In other Saturday fixtures, Newcastle host in-form Chelsea in early kickoff while Aston Villa and Brighton lock horns at Villa Park.

On Sunday, Leeds United welcome Arsenal in what is expected to be a fierce battle between the two sides. For a club that is playing Premier League football for the first time in almost two decades, Leeds have relatively done a great job this season and they hope to build on that momentum as they go all out to improve their league standing on Sunday against Arteta’s men who lost 3 nill to Aston Villa in the previous gameweek.

Later on Sunday, the fixture of the weekend will take place at Anfield between Liverpool and Leicester City in late kickoff. Klopp will surely be having a headache of selection as significant number of his first team squad are unavailable due to injury and illness. On the other hand, league leaders, Leicester hope to build on their recent run of form and get all three points to ensure that they remain undisputed at the top of the log. Liverpool defenders will surely need to be careful in and around their 18 yard box as Leicester City has won more penalty kicks this season than any other team in the league.

Other Sunday Kickoffs see Fulham and Everton battle it out at Craven Cottage in what is expected to be an easy fixture for Carlo Ancelotti’s men who have been in decent form this season. As well, Sheffield United welcome West Ham on Sunday.

On Monday, Burnley play against Crystal Palace at Turf Moore while Wolves play at home against Southampton.