I agree with dlen111s suggestion, especially if you have already purchased said tkt , unless a B fare allows free changes. Even if it wouldnt cost to change it, Id rather be sure Im on the 9:25 in case the connection can not be made, then to find out I missed the earlier flight and now either cant get onto the 9:25 or that only middle seats are left.

If it was Me Id leave it with the 9:25 and before leaving MHT either ask there or call and find out from which Gate the earlier flight will be leaving from so that I wont have to waste any time once@ EWR.

Ive done a number of these things in the past, the 1st station never was willing to confirm FC for me but were willing to confirm Coach. If I was already UPed on my original flight I waited till I got to the Gate before switching anything, if I had the exit row the samething. The only time I allowed the CSR at my 1st city to confirm me was if I didnt have a really good seat on my tkted connection and my original flight was wide open.

Sure the FC on a 753 is better then Y, but I get alot more leg room in the exit row in Y, then in FC. The 752 is a completely different animal and FC wins out in all respects