December 31 Premier League Tips

Football expert Greg Lea previews all six Premier League matches on Saturday as the top three teams all look to close out 2022 on a high.

Wolves v Manchester United

Kick-off: 12.30pm Saturday

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure has opened up an opportunity for French striker Anthony Martial, who will start up front for Manchester United again on Saturday. Marcus Rashford could also see an increase in game time due to the latest club changes.

The England international does his best work when operating from the left. Rashford has license to cut infield onto his stronger right foot and is fancied to notch his sixth goal of the campaign at Molineux.

Prediction: Marcus Rashford to score anytime @ 2.88

Bournemouth v Crystal Palace

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Both Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are looking to bounce back from defeats last time out. The Cherries have now lost four of their last five games in the Premier League, yet they remain outside the bottom three for now, while Palace sit comfortably mid-table.

Bournemouth have found the back of the net in three of their last four matches at the Vitality Stadium and, while Palace drew a blank against Fulham on Boxing Day, they should be able to score against the team with the worst defensive record in the league. Back both teams to score.

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 1.92

Fulham v Southampton

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Southampton fell to the bottom of the Premier League table on Boxing Day as Nathan Jones began his top-flight tenure with a 3-1 home defeat against Brighton. Only Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have conceded more goals than the Saints, who look set to be involved in a sustained battle against the drop.

Aleksander Mitrovic: Can score for Fulham

Fulham’s confidence will be high after their 3-0 triumph over Crystal Palace. With Aleksandar Mitrovic, Willian and Andreas Pereira in attack, the Cottagers should cause an abundance of problems for Southampton’s rearguard.

Prediction: Fulham to score in both halves @ 2.76

Manchester City v Everton

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Everton slipped to within one point of the relegation zone when they suffered a last-gasp 2-1 defeat against Wolves on Monday. Frank Lampard now faces the daunting task of taking his team to the Eithad Stadium, where Manchester City will look to build on a 3-1 midweek defeat of Leeds United.

This should be a comfortable afternoon for Pep Guardiola’s side, who are unlikely to be caused too many issues by Everton’s insipid attack. A home win by a three-goal margin or more is a distinct possibility.

Prediction: Manchester City -2.5 Asian handicap @ 1.94

Newcastle United v Leeds United

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

No team in the Premier League has conceded fewer goals than Newcastle, whose backline has been breached just 11 times to date. That marks quite the turnaround for Eddie Howe, who was regularly criticised for Bournemouth’s ropey defence during his time on the south coast.

Leeds managed to find the net against Manchester City but they may struggle to do the same at St James’ Park as Newcastle seek their seventh consecutive win.

Prediction: Newcastle to win to nil @ 2.48

Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal

Kick-off: 5.30pm Saturday

Arsenal have enjoyed a magnificent start to the season - they have dropped points on just three occasions so far. Mikel Arteta’s men have still only lost one game and they will arrive at the Amex Stadium on the back of a confident 3-1 triumph over West Ham United on Boxing Day.

This will be a tough game, though, as Brighton are enjoying an excellent campaign themselves. Nevertheless, I fancy Arsenal to just about get over the line.

Prediction: Arsenal to win @ 2.18