The 2026/27 Premier League season reaches Matchweek 9 this weekend with a series of high-stakes clashes, headlined by Liverpool vs Arsenal at Anfield, Chelsea vs Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Halloween, and Manchester City hosting Brighton at the Etihad Stadium. The round features a record-chasing subplot for Arsenal, a City milestone run, and the first-ever top-flight meeting between two promoted clubs.

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Anfield Hoodoo on the Line

Arsenal arrive at Anfield carrying a 13-match winless run in Premier League visits to the ground — their last league victory there dating back to the 2012-13 season. Victory this weekend would also make Arsenal only the second club after Manchester United to register 300 away wins in Premier League history; the Gunners currently stand at 299, according to data from Jio Star.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have managed just one win in their last eight Premier League meetings with Arsenal, drawing five and losing two — a surprisingly tight head-to-head for a side at home. The fixture shapes up as the standout contest of the weekend, with both clubs in early-season contention.

Manchester City vs Brighton: Goals Expected, Records at Stake

Manchester City return to home comforts after suffering their first league defeat of the season against Aston Villa. Notably, City have won all 10 of their last league matches played on Halloween and have found the net in each of their last 24 Premier League games — a streak they will be keen to extend.

The visitors, Brighton, lead the division in scoring with 23 league goals this season, ahead of City's 20. Both sides also top the table in expected goals — City recording 16.7 and Brighton 16.2 — making this a genuinely attack-minded contest with statistical backing for a high-scoring affair.

Chelsea vs Manchester United: Form Crisis Meets Halloween

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea host Manchester United in what is arguably the most form-sensitive fixture of the round. Chelsea have lost 11 Premier League matches since the beginning of March, more than any other side in that period. Manchester United, for their part, are winless in their last eight matches across all competitions, picking up just three draws against five defeats.

Despite United's broader struggles, they won both league meetings against Chelsea last season and are targeting three consecutive league victories over the Blues for the first time since September 1965. Adding to Chelsea's concern: the club have lost both of their previous Premier League home matches played on 31 October.

Other Key Matchweek 9 Fixtures

Tottenham Hotspur host Crystal Palace, with Spurs having scored six of their eight league goals this season in the final 15 minutes — the joint-highest such tally in the division. Palace arrive having conceded 19 goals in eight matches, their highest tally at this stage of a top-flight campaign since the 1980-81 season.

Fulham travel to Aston Villa seeking a third consecutive league win for the first time since December 2025. After going winless in their opening six fixtures, Fulham have responded with back-to-back 1-0 victories. Villa, who inflicted City's only league defeat so far, have lost just one of their last 18 home Premier League matches against Fulham.

Bournemouth welcome Leeds United on the back of consecutive victories. Forward Evanilson has been directly involved in seven league goals this season — three scored and four assisted — matching his entire contribution across 36 appearances last term. Leeds, meanwhile, have lost just two of their last 17 Premier League matches, making them a formidable away proposition.

Brentford face Nottingham Forest, with the hosts having scored in all eight league matches this season — a record shared only with Manchester City. Forest have managed just six goals, the lowest in the division, despite an expected goals figure of 13.5, suggesting severe underperformance in front of goal. Forest have also lost their last five league matches played on Halloween.

The weekend's most historic fixture sees Hull City host Ipswich Town in their first-ever top-flight meeting. Both promoted sides have collected 10 points from their opening eight games — the first time since the 2010-11 season that two promoted clubs have reached double figures at this stage. Hull are winless in their last six league games, while Ipswich have conceded in each of their last 27 Premier League matches.

Coventry City host Sunderland in a low-scoring encounter; both sides have managed just six goals this season. Coventry are unbeaten in their last 10 league meetings with Sunderland and have failed to score in a division-high five matches. Sunderland are winless in their last six and have not scored in their previous three outings.

The matchweek concludes with Newcastle United taking on Everton at St James' Park. Everton target a third consecutive away league win at the ground for the first time, yet arrive winless in their last nine away league matches. Defender James Tarkowski leads the division with 63 duels won this season. Newcastle have faced a league-high 138 shots in their opening eight matches, raising questions about their defensive solidity going forward.