The English Premier League returns on Saturday, October 1, for its Matchday 9 installment of elite-level soccer.
The Premier League odds are widely available as we are back with our carefully selected Premier League best bets and free betting predictions.
Continue reading for EPL Matchday 9 betting advice, analysis, and free soccer picks for the weekend fixtures involving Liverpool vs. Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea.
Liverpool FC vs. Brighton & Hove Albion FC
Saturday, October 1, 2022 – 10:00 AM EDT at Anfield
Slow Start for Klopp and Co.
If Liverpool takes all three points from Brighton on Saturday, they won’t overtake them in the table. This proves what an abysmal beginning the Reds have had this term, and unless a dramatic change takes place, their title hopes will be an afterthought. Alarmingly, if Liverpool loses this weekend, they could even drop into the lower half of the table, a position they haven’t seen in a long time.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have delivered countless disappointments this term, including the Merseyside battle with Everton on Matchday 8, ending in a 0-0 stalemate. The Reds did claim during their UCL appearance versus Ajax, but an 89th-minute header wasn’t a convincing victory, and they were lucky to take all three points.
The Unknowns in Brighton
The foundation of a solid Brighton squad and tactical approach was laid by manager Graham Potter. However, his recent departure could present an unpredictable set of variables. It remains to be seen if Roberto De Zerbi will alter the winning formula. Hopefully, his ego doesn’t step in front of a winning side when making his managerial debut against one of the toughest teams in the EPL.
Brighton is fourth in the table and undefeated in 5 of their 6 EPL meetings this term. They successfully defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford and are undoubtedly an underdog worth paying attention to.
Pick and Prediction
The available EPL odds aren’t giving Brighton the respect they deserve, but like most of us, they’re likely relying on a turning point for Liverpool to arrive anytime soon.
Eleven goals have been conceded between Liverpool and Brighton combined. Through eight matchdays, this tally is low, and I believe the defensive offerings from both teams will keep this game under four goals.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 1 – Brighton & Hove Albion 1
Soccer Pick: Under 3.5 Goals (-178) [178$ stake returns $100 profit] at FanDuel
Crystal Palace FC vs. Chelsea FC
Saturday, October 1, 2022 – 09:00 AM EDT at Selhurst Park
The Lesser of Two London Derbies
While Arsenal and Tottenham will receive most of the attention this weekend, another London derby will ensure at Selhurst Park when Crystal Palace welcome Chelsea to their fortress.
Patrick Viera has faltered from many angles this term, as Palace seeks just their second win of the domestic season in Saturday’s derby. Currently, the Eagles are 16th in the table, and the relegation woes will begin to settle if they cannot pick up their form before Christmas.
Time to Build
Since the departure of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter has only been appointed to one game as the new man in charge. The result was lackluster (1-1 draw with Salzburg), which kept Chelsea winless in their European outings.
Potter is steering the ship at Stamford Bridge, but he’s dealing with a squad that’s won just 2 of their last 7 games in all competitions. Taking 10 points from six EPL fixtures isn’t the worst start, but expectations from the Chelsea board want more than a seventh-place position in the table.
Pick and Prediction
The available Premier League odds at the best sportsbooks naturally favor Chelsea, but the concerns around Potter’s appointment still linger. The manager hasn’t proved himself as a “top six” manager, and I expect the Blues may regret the dismissal of Tuchel in the coming months.
Chelsea has managed just two goals away from home in the 2022/23 EPL season so far, but they have notably won their previous nine league clashes against Palace.
The lack of prolific goal-scoring makes this week’s betting prediction easy, mainly because a moneyline should make anybody nervous.
Score Prediction: Crystal Palace 0 – Chelsea 0
Soccer Pick: Under 2.5 Goals (-128) [128$ stake returns 100$ profit] at Caesars Sportsbook
