Premier League matchweek 9: Key fixtures and teams to watch out for

Those whose job it is to monitor the power surges and shortages of the national grid in England could notice a sudden spike in activity in Manchester and Merseyside. The reason? Manchester United play host to league leaders Liverpool on Sunday, October 20. The Red Devils welcome Jurgen Klopp's men at Old Trafford in the 203rd meeting between the two sides. Liverpool are comfortably topping the table at the moment, having won all eight of their Premier League fixtures so far. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United, meanwhile languish in 12th, having won just two of their eight fixtures this season. 

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Sweat on the Citizens' brow

Week 9 of the English Premier League will also be a test for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. After an unexpected defeat at home to Wolves, Guardiola's men head to Selhurst Park on Saturday. Crystal Palace, however, have proven to be Guardiola's unlucky charm in the past fixtures. One wouldn't have to go too far back in history to witness Crystal Palace's last win over the Citizens. The Eagles' last win over City came in their fixture in December last year, with Crystal Palace emerging winners after goals from Jeffrey Schlupp, Andros Townsend and a Luka Milivojevic penalty. 

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Bittersweet start for the Toffees

On the blue half of Merseyside, Marco Silva will be sweating over his job, as the Toffees host West Ham United at Goodison Park. Everton will be looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat in the Premier League, with the Toffees sitting on just seven points this season, and therefore finding themselves in the relegation zone early in the season. The Hammers, meanwhile, have made a much better start to the season and find themselves eighth on the table, level on points with seventh-placed Burnley. Mauricio Pochettino is another manager who has found himself in the firing zone of late owing to dismal defeats against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and to Brighton in the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur play host to Watford this weekend. They will, however, have to do without the services of first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who dislocated his elbow in the Brighton fixture.

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The Hammers have a good chance of leapfrogging Burnley this weekend, as Sean Dyche's men travel to the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Brendan Rodgers' Leicester City have made an excellent start to the season. In turn, the Foxes are now fourth on the table, one point behind third-placed Arsenal. Arsenal, meanwhile, have a late kickoff at Bramall Lane on Monday night. Unai Emery's men have drawn three of their last five Premier League fixtures. They will, however, be boosted by the return of fullback duo Hector Bellerín and Kieren Tierney. Fifth-placed Chelsea will play hosts to Steve Bruce's Newcastle United this weekend. Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has been in fine form this season and finds himself top of the goalscoring charts this season with eight goals, level with City's Sergio Agüero. The English striker, however, will fancy his chances of opening up a lead against the Argentinian, with Sergio Agüero battling a minor fitness issue, according to his national team coach. 

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