Saturday’s Premier League Tips: Man City can follow up Wednesday’s win

There’s a bumper afternoon of Premier League action on Saturday as both Arsenal and Manchester City return to action after their midweek clash. Here are Greg Lea’s best bets.

Aston Villa v Arsenal

Kick-off: 12.30pm Saturday 

Arsenal’s 3-1 loss against Manchester City during the week means they head into Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off in second place in the Premier League. Bukayo Saka scored the Gunners’ only goal in that game when he coolly converted a first-half penalty.

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Saka remains Arsenal’s go-to man from the spot despite the January arrival of penalty specialist Jorginho. He provides a threat from open play too, and the odds on him scoring against Aston Villa appear attractive.

Prediction: Bukayo Saka anytime goalscorer @ 3.55

Brentford v Crystal Palace

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Crystal Palace were fortunate to pick up a point against Brighton last weekend. They have now gone six games without a win in the Premier League and are by no means out of the relegation picture just yet, despite a seven-point buffer between themselves and the bottom three.

Meanwhile, Brentford are on a 10-game unbeaten run as Thomas Frank continues to make progress in west London. The Bees should prove too strong for Palace in this one.

Prediction: Brentford to win @ 1.91

Brighton & Hove Albion v Fulham

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Two teams that have punched above their weight this season will go head-to-head at the Amex Stadium on Saturday. After three matches without a victory, Fulham returned to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest in their last outing, while Brighton played Crystal Palace off the park last weekend. 

Solly March scored Brighton’s goal in a 1-1 draw in south London, which means the in-form wide man has found the net five times in his last seven league appearances. Back him to score again. 

Prediction: Solly March to score anytime @ 5.3 

Chelsea v Southampton

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Chelsea have the chance to bounce back from Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat by Borussia Dortmund when they host Southampton on Saturday. Graham Potter desperately needs a win, with the Blues having triumphed in just one of their last nine outings.

Managerless Southampton are in even worse form, and their failure to appoint top managerial target Jesse Marsch has left them in a precarious position. Chelsea do not concede many goals and they will surely have too much in attack for the Saints. 

Prediction: Chelsea to win to nil @ 1.98

Everton v Leeds United 

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Everton were disappointed to lose 2-0 to local rivals Liverpool on Monday, but that type of game will not define their season. New manager Sean Dyche will be striving to make Goodison Park a fortress and the Toffees will look to use the atmosphere to their advantage here. 

Leeds have made a mess of their managerial search and caretaker boss Michael Skubala will continue in the dugout this weekend. This could be another tough afternoon for the Whites. 

Prediction: Everton to win @ 2.58

Nottingham Forest v Manchester City

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Manchester City are back on top of the Premier League and Pep Guardiola will be desperate to see his team string a few wins together. City are still not at their best, though, and they have now gone six league games without a clean sheet. 

The champions should ultimately prove too strong for Nottingham Forest, but Steve Cooper’s side have a decent home record and City might not have everything their own way.

Prediction: Manchester City to win and Both teams to score @ 2.9 

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Bournemouth

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Wolves will try to continue their rise up the table after an excellent start to life under Julen Lopetegui. If results go their way this weekend, they could climb as high as 12th.

Bournemouth have shown signs of life lately and their attack was bolstered by their January signings. The Cherries have scored in two of their last three games and could do so again here. 

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 2.1 

Saturday’s Premier League Tips

Aston Villa v Arsenal: Bukayo Saka anytime goalscorer @ 3.55
Brentford v Crystal Palace: Brentford to win @ 1.91
Brighton v Fulham: Solly March anytime goalscorer @ 5.3
Chelsea v Southampton: Chelsea to win to nil @ 1.98
Everton v Leeds: Everton to win @ 2.58
Nottingham Forest v Man City: Manchester City to win and Both teams to score @ 2.9
Wolves v Bournemouth: Both teams to score @ 2.1