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Friday, 30 October 2026

English Football Premier League Picks Game Week 9 2026/27 (Saturday 31st October 2026-Monday 2nd November 2026)

After the thumping in Como and the comments from Captain Bruno Fernandes, it was perhaps no surprise that he was dropped by Michael Carrick for the visit of Bournemouth.
 
The comments just a few days after Lisandro Martinez had also been pretty vocal about upper management suggested a fractured dressing room and Manchester United's performance against Bournemouth and the eventual 0-3 defeat infuriated the Stretford End.

Michael Carrick has largely been absolved of blame, but that is because most fans will feel that he is doing his best and the support around him has seemingly been non-existent. He was not backed as hoped in the last transfer window, while the players are apparently ready to throw the towel in and to the likes of Jason Wilcox, the owners, and then the players had it made clear what the match-going Manchester United fans thought of them.

And then we all waited.

After Michael Carrick's walk around the pitch and the body language on display, an announcement that he had been Sacked as manager felt inevitable.

That it did not come on Sunday was not much of a surprise, but Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada heading into Carrington on Monday morning and about to embark on a meeting with the owners suggested something would be released later in the day.

The manager came to watch an Under-21 game being played behind closed doors, but Carrick left and there was still no action taken.

Ultimately it sounds like the board and those in upper management are unsure as to what to do with Michael Carrick and less so because they have faith in the current manager, but more because there is no agreement as to who should be appointed next.

Eddie Howe's name was bandied about in the press, but that is one that has not gone down very well with the supporters.

He has a strong supporter in Jason Wilcox, which is ironic seeing as Wilcox is only in the role because everyone in a position of power disagreed with Dan Ashworth who suggested Howe two years ago after Erik ten Hag had been dismissed.

Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte are other available names, while Manchester United have to accept it will be almost impossible to prise away Unai Emery or Fabian Hurzeler from Premier League clubs.

And that leaves Michael Carrick in a tough position after being given a stay of execution and now relying on a group of players who simply could not find enough to avoid heavy defeats against Como and Bournemouth and who have won none of the last eight games played in all competitions.

The lack of decisions made this past week highlights the lack of conviction in anything INEOS have done at the club over the last three years (aside from all being on the same page to make life difficult for supporters) and 'best in class' suggests the likes of Berrada and Wilcox should be removed from current roles if Carrick is to be dismissed.

All eyes will turn to Stamford Bridge for the opening Premier League game of the weekend to see how Manchester United respond, but it is also a critical week in the Champions League and then hosting Aston Villa before the next international break. Results are needed if Michael Carrick is going to be taking charge of United when they visit Anfield in three weeks time, but it is all a big mess at Old Trafford and the biggest hurt of the whole situation is that it is not a surprise that we are here just after the turn of the clocks.




Chelsea vs Manchester United: Both of these clubs were beaten at home without scoring a goal last weekend, while Chelsea also suffered a League Cup exit at Anfield on Wednesday.

Xabi Alonso has stated that Joao Pedro is ruled out and that does hurt Chelsea without a focal point, although the tactical decision to leave Danny Welbeck on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur felt like a mistake.

Danny Welbeck has enjoyed playing Manchester United since leaving the club, while Cole Palmer is well rested.

Injuries in defensive areas will give the away team encouragement, but Manchester United's players have to show they are willing to dig in and fight for the team. We have seen little of that in the last couple of games and Michael Carrick's position is uncertain, to say the least, but you have to believe some pride will kick in and a reaction can be produced.

They rode their luck to win at Stamford Bridge in April, but Manchester United have to find a real balance in their play if they are going to do that here.

Encouragement can be taken from the fact that Chelsea have been inconsistent under Xabi Alonso, but Manchester United have to start faster than they did in Madrid and Como. Chelsea are one of the fastest starting teams in the Premier League in both halves so that is something Manchester United have to prepare for, but getting through the opening 10/15 minutes has seen other teams give Chelsea problems.

Both teams are struggling for consistency and that may end up producing a tighter game than some expect with both teams combining for less than 28 shots over the ninety minutes.

Chelsea have had fewer than 13 shots in five of the last six games, while Manchester United have not had more than 13 shots in any of the last three away games.

Recent results may suggest these teams have been letting opponents dictate the shots, but Chelsea have allowed more than 14 in one of the last six, while Manchester United have not allowed more than 12 shots in any of the last three away games.

Fantasy: If there is some respect and pride in the Manchester United dressing room, perhaps Bruno Fernandes returns with a big effort to inspire his team to a successful outing at Stamford Bridge.

Both Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers will be leading the way for Chelsea, but Pedro Neto was perhaps offering the most threat in the home loss to Tottenham Hotspur and had a big day against Everton two weeks ago.


Bournemouth vs Leeds United: The recent form shown by Marco Rose's Bournemouth makes them solid favourites to beat Leeds United and you have to favour them with the firepower that has been displayed.

It has been particularly evident at the Vitality Stadium and Bournemouth may have enough to earn the three points.

Nothing has come easy against Leeds United and Daniel Farke's team have had a full week to prepare for this game, which will help.

They do not concede a lot of goals, but Leeds United need more in the final third and the defensive performances at Brighton and Arsenal need to be improved if they are going to earn a positive result on the South Coast.

Fantasy: Everyone is focusing on the Bournemouth assets with a good looking fixture list coming up.

Evanilson continues to lead the line, but he is not the most convincing of goalscorers.

He is a replacement for those looking to move Joao Pedro, but those with a bit more freedom to choose may want to go against the grain and focus on Rayan or Antonio Silva in defensive or midfield positions.


Brentford vs Nottingham Forest Pick: You have to believe that there is going to be an opponent who takes a real thumping from Nottingham Forest sooner rather than later.

They have created some huge chances, especially away from home, and Nottingham Forest have been wasteful or lacking a bit of fortune when those opportunities have been presented to them.

Nottingham Forest will feel they can create chances at the Gtech Community Stadium having won on the previous two visits and this Brentford team have just lost a bit of momentum over the last past few weeks.

Losing at Sunderland in the League Cup Fourth Round is a real blow, while Brentford have been guilty of a few too many draws in the Premier League, including last weekend at Hull City.

Keith Andrews will know his team have been better at home, but they could be tested by Nottingham Forest and the visiting team are good enough to earn a positive result that could drag them out of the bottom three.

Fantasy: A lot of the Nottingham Forest attack goes through Morgan Gibbs-White, but you have to think Liam Delap will be able to take advantage of some of the chances that have been coming his way.


Coventry City vs Sunderland Pick: These two teams are sitting in the bottom three of the Premier League table after failing to score in home games last weekend and there is a little bit of pressure building on Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris.

Patience is going to be shown with Frank Lampard considering the successes he has had as manager of Coventry City, but the experience of Lampard means he knows improvements need to be made at both ends of the field.

Coventry City did not defend too poorly against Fulham last weekend, but the latter showed that Premier League experience and quality when an opportunity came their way.

The home team are unlikely going to leave too many spaces for Sunderland, but The Black Cats can also call upon that Premier League experience to make the difference in this fixture.

Either way, you have to believe the first goal is going to be absolutely crucial in determining the final outcome and the match may be one with limited goalmouth action.

Fantasy: Defenders may come out on top in this one, but Coventry City could be without Bobby Thomas, which would be a blow.

It is a tough game to really want to back any player to take the lead on the day, but any of the defenders could end up being the star performer.


Hull City vs Ipswich Town Pick: Both of these teams were promoted together at the end of last season, but it was Ipswich Town who got the better of Hull City in both League fixtures played in the Championship.

The two both earned 1-1 draws in Game Week 8 to keep the positive points ticking over and this is another fixture in which Hull City and Ipswich Town will be targeting three points, but also very keen on avoiding a damaging defeat.

It could lead to a tight, competitive outing in the Premier League and this is another fixture in which goals may not be free-flowing with another 1-1 scoreline looking a real runner.

Fantasy: Just like the Coventry City vs Sunderland fixture, this is perhaps not the Premier League fixture in which someone would be targeting major Fantasy assets.


Manchester City vs Brighton Pick: These two teams met in the League Cup Fourth Round on Wednesday and it was Manchester City who came through on Penalties.

However, that does mean Brighton are unbeaten in 3 visits to the Etihad Stadium, including twice in the Premier League, and so Manchester City look a little short and a potential acca-buster.

Erling Haaland was not involved on Wednesday, but he will be restored to the starting lineup and has loved playing Brighton.

Not only has he scored in the last four matches against this opponent, but Erling Haaland has opened the scoring in all of those and he may be the player who gets the scoring going in what has the potential to be a high-scoring fixture.

Last weekend Alexander Isak scored against Brighton and Erling Haaland looks like he could open things up on Saturday.

Fantasy: The Norwegian striker remains the standout Fantasy option for Manchester City, but Brighton can play a positive role here too.

Others in the home team are also likely to be influential in what has the potential to be another high-scoring game and it is Jeremy Doku who stands out behind Erling Haaland.


Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace Pick: Back to back Premier League wins has given Tottenham Hotspur a huge boost, but they have not won consecutive League games at home in two years.

They are facing a struggling opponent in Crystal Palace who have a manager that remains under real pressure, despite a League Cup Fourth Round win at Fulham on Wednesday.

Crystal Palace have simply not found the right balance between attack and defence under Pierre Sage and they have struggled in a lot of aspects of their football.

This is a fixture that will be taking part in a Stadium that does get a little nervy, but Tottenham Hotspur have to have picked up confidence from consecutive wins and James Maddison has seemingly been passed fit. He has been a big influence in the last couple of wins that Spurs have produced and it has been a positive month for the team.

Roberto De Zerbi will be happy with the performances and results and his team may be able to come through with another home win in a game where they can continue to showcase the improvements on the defensive side of the field.

Fantasy: You could make a case for someone like Mohammed Kudus, who has been in positive form since returning from an injury.

However, it is James Maddison who has been the biggest influence in recent Spurs improvements, and he can be the key to any success this weekend.


Aston Villa vs Fulham Pick: Unai Emery has admitted the Premier League is the priority for Aston Villa this season and the League Cup loss at Bournemouth is just another example of an early exit from that competition under the Spaniard.

Key players were rested and that should see Aston Villa pick up from where they left off in the 2-1 win over Manchester City at Villa Park last Saturday.

Three home wins in a row has given Aston Villa real momentum and they will be feeling a little more confident than Alvaro Arbeloa's Fulham.

Wins over Hull City and Coventry City have given Fulham some confidence, but a strong team was beaten by Crystal Palace on Wednesday and there is still some real room for improvement if they are going to continue the climb up the League table.

A poor record at Villa Park suggests it will be difficult to do that on Saturday and Aston Villa's firepower can make the difference.

Fantasy: It sounds like the whole world may be ready to back Nicolas Jackson, especially after scoring twice last weekend and Joao Pedro needing to be replaced.

He looks a leading contender, but it is those operating around the focal point of the attack that have hurt Fulham of late and that means Johan Manzambi or John McGinn having big impacts on the final score.


Liverpool vs Arsenal Pick: The last two English Champions face off in a big Premier League game on Sunday and it could be a tight, competitive contest.

Injuries in attacking areas limits the Arsenal threat, although they are always going to be dangerous from set pieces.

Mikel Arteta's hand may be forced with the injuries, which could mean having a bigger focus on the defensive effort- Arsenal excel there and only conceded to a magical free kick when visiting Anfield last season.

The Gunners will look to make things tough for Liverpool, who have improved, but who also have more room for improvement.

Andoni Iraola will be happy with some of the defensive work, but Liverpool have lacked a bit of consistency in the final third and this suggests another low-scoring fixture to be played out between these two teams.

A single goal was scored in two Premier League games last season and this may be a fixture in which the opening goal could be decisive.

Fantasy: This is a tough game to call, but you have to lean towards Liverpool being the more likely winners with the depth of options available in attacking areas.

If Arsenal are to secure a positive result, Gabriel could be key at both ends of the pitch.


Newcastle United vs Everton Pick: These two teams may be sick of one another after Monday Night Football is concluded and it was a tetchy ending to the League Cup Fourth Round tie at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday.

Everton came through, but Newcastle United had plenty of chances and The Magpies have been better at home and so will be confident they can overturn that result.

Keeping clean sheets has been more challenging for Newcastle United and so this has the makings of another fixture with at least three goals shared out when these two face one another.

The last three fixtures have ended up with 14 goals combined and there is enough from the attacking players to exploit the problems that Everton and Newcastle United have had at the back.

An early goal could spark the game again and that looks the likelihood in front of the television cameras to conclude this game week.

Fantasy: The standout options look to be Harvey Barnes and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at either end of the pitch.

Models are speaking about Thierno Barry, but he is a little inconsistent and those two players mentioned have the qualities to get into the point scoring from more angles than the Everton striker.

MY PICKS: Chelsea-Manchester United Under 27.5 Match Shots @ 1.83 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Bournemouth @ 2.15 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
Nottingham Forest + 0.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.80 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Coventry City-Sunderland Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Hull City-Ipswich Town Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)
Erling Haaland First Goalscorer @ 4.00 Paddy Power (0.5 Units)
Tottenham Hotspur to Win & Under 4 Total Goals @ 2.50 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Aston Villa @ 2.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)
Liverpool-Arsenal Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.95 William Hill (1 Unit)
Newcastle United-Everton Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.72 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Premier League 26/27: 17-29-1, - 7.68 Units (45.50 Units Staked, - 16.88% Yield)

2026 World Cup: 57-45-1, + 8.63 Units (103 Units Staked, + 8.38% Yield)

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