Saturday Premier League Predictions: Back Liverpool to improve further at Forest

Saturday’s Premier League slate is smaller than usual, but there is still plenty to look forward to - football expert Greg Lea provides his Premier League predictions for the action.

Nottingham Forest v Liverpool

Kick-off: 12.30pm Saturday

Liverpool registered back-to-back Premier League wins for only the second time this season with 1-0 triumphs over Manchester City and West Ham United within the last seven days.

Despite performing well against the defending two-time champions, Liverpool’s display against West Ham was not the most convincing. The Hammers were probably worthy of a point on the balance of play, but they could not find a way to break down the Reds’ rearguard. Jurgen Klopp is not about to revise his view that Liverpool are out of the title race, but recent results have boosted their chances of a top-four finish.

A trip to Nottingham Forest, who have still won just once in the league this term, provides Liverpool with the perfect chance to make it three wins on the bounce. You can anticipate a relatively comfortable afternoon for Klopp’s men, who will surely prove too strong for opponents that remain in a state of flux after a record-shattering summer of transfer activity.

Prediction: Liverpool to win both halves @ 2.42

Everton v Crystal Palace

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

On Tuesday night, Crystal Palace conceded the first goal in a Premier League home game before coming back to win for the third time this season. Ebere Eze’s header and a Wilfried Zaha strike helped Palace turn the game around against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the second half, and Patrick Vieira’s side is now looking up the table rather than over their shoulders.

Consecutive away defeats by Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have left Everton just one point above the relegation zone. The Toffees failed to score in either match, while Palace’s last two away games have resulted in 0-0 draws. This could be a slow burner at Goodison Park, and a goalless first half is a distinct possibility.

As a result, this match could open up after the break. Everton will be roared on by the home crowd, while Palace tend to come on strong as games wear on.

Prediction: Second half highest scoring @ 2.08

Manchester City v Brighton

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Manchester City didn’t play midweek as their game against Arsenal was postponed in order for their opponents to fulfill their Europa League commitments. That short break will have enabled City players to get the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool out of their system.

City lost control of that match at Anfield in the second half, but there is little danger of that happening again on Saturday. The Premier League champions are imperious at the Etihad Stadium, where they have won each of their nine top-flight games since a 2-2 draw with their Merseyside rivals in April.

Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest means Brighton have now gone three games without a goal under new manager Roberto De Zerbi. City will therefore fancy their chances of keeping a clean sheet, while Phil Foden is an attractive scoring pick after his impressive return of six goals in 10 games so far this season.

Prediction: Manchester City to win to nil @ 1.87

Saturday’s Premier League Predictions

Forest v Liverpool: Liverpool to win both halves @ 2.42
Everton v Palace: Second half highest scoring @ 2.08
Man City v Brighton & Hove Albion: Manchester City to win to nil @ 1.87