Saturday’s Premier League Tips: Haaland targets momentous record as City push on

The business end of the Premier League season is well and truly underway, and the top of the table is becoming ever more clustered.

Manchester City are in imperious form going into the final stretch and, while Arsenal still hold the prized-placed of league leaders, there is not much breathing space for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners. 

Erling Haaland is knocking on the door of another Premier League record and there are battles being fought up and down the table with just a few games left to play. Football expert Joe Crann takes a closer look at some of Saturday’s fixtures.

Aston Villa v Newcastle United

Kick-off: 12.30pm Saturday

Respective league positions mean that Eddie Howe’s side is the slight favourite (2.16 to win) in Saturday’s early kick-off, but Unai Emery has done a fantastic job with Villa and his team go into this match with six wins from their last seven games in the Premier League.

While the Villains’ defence has been mean, Newcastle have found their shooting boots recently with 13 goals in their last five games. Howe’s side has kept just one clean sheet since the start of February, though, so both teams to score (1.84) appears to be the best option. 

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 1.84

Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

To say that Chelsea’s recent form is poor would be an understatement. They haven’t won for over a month, not scored in almost a month, and have dropped down to 11th in the league table.

Brighton, meanwhile, are chasing a spot in Europe next season and have scored in all bar two of their away games in all competitions this season.

Young Evan Ferguson has been a big hit on the road this season, and this is the sort of game you could see him scoring in. Back him to score anytime. 

Prediction: Evan Ferguson anytime goalscorer @ 2.98

Southampton v Crystal Palace

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday 

With only four wins from their last 25 matches, Southampton are rooted to the bottom of the league and appear in trouble. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have won two on the bounce since Roy Hodgson came in.

The Eagles haven’t kept a clean sheet since February, and Southampton have scored in plenty of matches this season even in defeat. This feels like a game where both teams find the back of the net (1.99).

Prediction: Crystal Palace win and Both teams to score @ 6.2

Manchester City v Leicester City

Kick-off: 5.30pm Saturday

Pep Guardiola’s men are flying with nine wins on the spin in all competitions, and they are breathing down Arsenal’s neck going into the final straight. They’ve also scored three or more goals in each of their last five matches, so over 3.5 goals feels a nice play – especially with Leicester’s current form.

Erling Haaland as anytime goalscorer (1.4) seems even safer given his 12 goals in his last five games. If he finds the net five more times he will set a new record for goals in a Premier League campaign. 

Prediction: Manchester City win and Over 3.5 goals @ 2.06

Saturday’s Premier League Tips

Aston Villa v Newcastle: Both teams to score @ 1.84
Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion: Evan Ferguson anytime goalscorer @ 2.98
Southampton v Crystal Palace: Palace win and Both teams to score @ 6.2
Manchester City v Leicester City: Man City win and Over 3.5 goals @ 2.06