Premier League Saturday tips: why City might only squeeze past Burnley

With the international break over, the Premier League returns on Saturday - here are our top selections for what promises to be an intriguing day of top-flight action.

Liverpool vs Watford

12.30pm, BT Sport 1

Liverpool will go top of the Premier League (at least temporarily) for the first time since September if they beat Watford in the early kick-off. Jurgen Klopp’s side are seeking their 10th victory in a row and have the chance to pile the pressure on Manchester City ahead of the top two’s head-to-head meeting at the Etihad Stadium next weekend.

Watford are in desperate need of points: they might only be three adrift of safety but they have played two more matches than Everton in 17th. The Hornets are unlikely to be able to deny Liverpool victory, but their attacking quality could see them find the back of the net at Anfield.

Recommended bet: Liverpool to win and both teams to score @ 2.56

Burnley vs Manchester City

3pm

Like Watford, Burnley are running out of time to save themselves. Sean Dyche’s side have played two games fewer than the Hornets, but a run of three straight defeats has left them with a mountain to climb in the next couple of months.

A game against Manchester City is never welcome in such circumstances. Pep Guardiola’s side were held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace in their last outing, although City created more than enough chances to win that match. Burnley could make life difficult for the champions and restrict them to just one or two goals, but City will almost certainly have too much for their hosts.

Recommended bet: Manchester City to win and under 2.5 goals @ 3.45

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has seen Kai Havertz score four in his last three games at centre forward

Chelsea vs Brentford

3pm

Kai Havertz has cemented himself as Thomas Tuchel’s go-to pick at centre-forward, leaving Romelu Lukaku facing an uncertain future. Havertz is not what you would call an out-and-out striker, but a combination of smooth technique and intelligent movement makes him an individual threat who also brings out the best in players around him.

Havertz has scored four goals in his last three Premier League outings, and six in his last seven matches in all competitions. The Germany international will fancy his chances of notching another against a Brentford side that has not kept a clean sheet away from home since September.

Recommended bet: Kai Havertz to score anytime @ 2.38

Leeds United vs Southampton

3pm

Leeds are not mathematically safe from relegation just yet, but a seven-point buffer above the bottom three should allow them to play without fear this weekend. Given the attack-minded nature of this team, that makes them a more dangerous proposition.

Jesse Marsch appears to have embraced the chaos he inherited from Marcelo Bielsa, as evidenced by the 3-2 comeback victory over Wolves last time out.

Southampton go into the weekend on the back of three defeats on the bounce. Leeds have their tails up and could inflict more disappointment on the Saints.

Recommended bet: Leeds to win @ 2.48

Manchester United vs Leicester City

5.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event

Consistency continues to elude Manchester United, whose tendency to start games slowly may have been exacerbated by the two-week pause for internationals. In fairness to Ralf Rangnick’s side, they have scored before the 45th minute in three of their last four Premier League matches, although only two of those ended in victory.

Leicester’s defensive problems have been well documented, but the Foxes retain an attacking threat via the likes of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes. We could be in store for an entertaining and open match at Old Trafford, especially in the first half.

Recommended bet: Over 1.5 goals in the first half @ 2.32

Recommended bets

Liverpool/BTTS @ 2.56

Man City/Under 2.5 @ 3.45

Havertz anytime @ 2.38

Leeds @ 2.48

Man Utd/Leicester over 1.5 first half @ 2.32