The DOJ requested an expedited docket in the 4th Circuit, undoubtedly hoping that the more conservative 4th might be able to generate a precedent at the circuit court level.  But as the article notes, the 4th elected to hear the case en banc and so the 9th's ruling will probably be delivered sooner.
In neither case is it likely to change the outcome.  The tea leaves indicate both courts are prepared to accept the lower courts' rulings on the basis of Trump et entourage's out-of-school comments.  They are not prepared to judge his EO "within the four corners", and in this case that's the correct course.  If Trump continues to force his appeals, he'll be setting precedent all right -- just not in the way he hoped to.