Gameweek 9 brings a stacked Premier League schedule, with several meetings that carry clear weight in the early-season picture. The most eye-catching fixtures are Chelsea against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge and Liverpool’s home clash with Arsenal, while there are also plenty of tight contests elsewhere across the division.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are tipped to come through 2-1 against a Manchester United side under pressure after back-to-back three-goal defeats to Como and Bournemouth. Michael Carrick remains in charge for the trip to west London after talks with Bruno Fernandes and the rest of the squad, but this feels like a critical test. Chelsea have their own issues, yet home advantage and the absence of João Pedro could still matter in a narrow contest.

Bournemouth’s strong run is expected to continue with a 2-1 win over Leeds United. The Cherries have produced a striking sequence of results across multiple competitions, and with Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson supported by Eli Junior Kroupi’s return, they look well placed to extend that momentum.

Other calls point to draws for Brentford against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United against Everton, while Coventry and Sunderland are forecast to cancel each other out. Hull are backed to edge Ipswich 1-0, and Manchester City are favoured to beat Brighton 3-2 in what could be the weekend’s most open game.

Tottenham are projected to keep improving with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, while Aston Villa are expected to defeat Fulham 3-0 after their recent uptick in form. The standout result, though, is at Anfield, where Arsenal are predicted to win 2-1 after Liverpool’s recent consistency meets a team looking to respond after a cup setback. The final matchup, Newcastle versus Everton, is also forecast to finish level.

Michael Carrick’s choice to leave Bruno Fernandes on the bench ended in a damaging afternoon for Manchester United, who were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth and produced their bluntest performance of the season.

The absence of Fernandes only sharpened the sense that United had lost whatever edge they were hoping to find. Bournemouth, by contrast, looked organised and cohesive throughout, while United again failed to make sustained use of possession or turn pressure into meaningful chances. It was another reminder of how far the side currently is from the level required, and the result leaves Carrick under renewed scrutiny.

Fernandes had already endured a difficult run before this match. His only Premier League goal contributions this season came in the 5-2 win over Ipswich Town, and United have now gone two months and six top-flight games without another league victory. Carrick’s decision to remove his most productive creator, especially with Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Šeško unavailable, was always likely to be tested. In the end, it was overwhelmed by a performance full of errors and short on conviction.

United did have more of the ball, but the numbers told their own story. Bournemouth generated the better chances, repeatedly punishing mistakes and leaving United with no answer. The team’s shortcomings were reflected in the individual displays, with only a few players offering even brief signs of resistance.

Senne Lammens was beaten three times, while Harry Maguire drew rare praise simply for carrying the ball forward. Carlos Baleba showed some energy, and Mason Mount remained ineffective despite changing positions during the match. The substitutes brought little improvement, as United’s evening drifted away without any meaningful response.

For Carrick, the wider problem is plain. Taking Fernandes out of the side was meant to send a message, but the result only underlined how dependent this team remains on what he provides.

Michael Carrick chose an unusual way to begin his pregame media duties before Manchester United’s meeting with Bournemouth, opening the press conference with a six-minute statement before taking any questions.

The backdrop is not ideal. United arrive on a seven-game winless run, a sharp contrast to the finish they managed last season, when they produced the best record in the Premier League over the final 17 rounds, better even than champions Arsenal.

Carrick used the moment to address both the team’s recent decline and the expectations that come with the club. His message was aimed squarely at the supporters, especially those who travelled to Italy during the week, and he returned repeatedly to the themes of humility, hard work and collective responsibility.

“I’ll start today,” Carrick immediately told gathered reporters on Friday, rather than waiting for an opening question. Not reading from a script, he took a moment to compose his thoughts and then spoke without interruption for almost six minutes.

“Recently, we haven’t had a good time, I think that’s pretty obvious, so I totally accept that, what we’re going through at the moment,” he said.

He also reflected on United’s recent performances and the disappointment felt by those who follow the team.

“Wednesday was a bad night, it was a bad night for a lot of reasons. It was a bad night and that hurt a lot. It obviously hurt me to see us play like that, to see how the game panned out.

“It was, as I said after the game, it was really unacceptable for us to play like that and to be like that. The supporters are a huge part of this football club for me, the supporters have to make the effort and spend the time and the money to come and support us on Wednesday. And to have the feeling that we all felt after the game was a tough moment. I think that’s pretty obvious.

Carrick stressed that the club’s identity must remain central, saying United must be bigger than any individual and rooted in resilience, humility and hard work. He also referenced figures such as Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt [Busby] and Sir Bobby [Charlton] while underlining that he will not allow those standards to fade.

For Carrick, the task is clear: restore the connection, intensity and pride that marked the earlier part of the year, and make sure United again reflect what this club is supposed to stand for.