Saturday’s Premier League Tips: Pressure is on as the end of the season approaches

The first relegated team of the Premier League season could be confirmed on Saturday as Southampton’s miserable campaign may come to an end if results don’t go their way.

There’s also action at the other end of the table with Newcastle and Manchester United in action. Football expert Joe Crann takes you through four games that may have big repercussions on the top-flight table.

Leeds United v Newcastle United

Kick-off: 12.30pm Saturday

This match involves clubs in the thick of the action at either end of the Premier League table. The Magpies will look to take a step closer to returning to Europe’s elite competition with a victory, while Leeds know that a win would get them out of the relegation zone – even if it only ends up being temporary. 

Success for Leeds would be a surprise, however, especially because they haven’t kept a clean sheet since February. Shutting out Newcastle at Elland Road would be an enormous achievement given their recent goalscoring record. 

Callum Wilson has netted five times in his last four matches as he looks to make this season his best goalscoring campaign ever. He’s available at 2.28 in the ‘anytime goalscorer’ market against a side that are in freefall with three wins in their last 22 league matches. But I’ll stick with a Newcastle victory and over 2.5 goals in the game. 

Prediction: Newcastle to win and Over 2.5 goals @ 2.4 

Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

A couple of recent defeats shouldn’t detract from the fantastic job that Unai Emery has done at Villa since coming on board, but this weekend’s tie will be a real test of his side’s mettle as they try to stay on Spurs’ heels in the race for a Europa League spot.

Their recent home form has been remarkable - they have won five games on the spin without conceding a single goal at Villa Park - and Tottenham’s eight-game winless run on the road in all competitions is the reason why the odds lean the way of the hosts (2.34).

Harry Kane: will play a pivotal part if Tottenham win this game

Spurs coach Ryan Mason has Harry Kane at his disposal though – he’s at 2.42 as anytime goalscorer – and this game feels like it could become a shootout. Expect more action in the second half after a cagey opening. 

Prediction: Second half highest-scoring @ 1.97

Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday 

The Red Devils could do with a change in fortune after back-to-back away defeats. However, they are a different beast at Old Trafford and haven’t been beaten there in any competition since way back in September – 27 games ago.

Wolves, meanwhile, have only won two away games, which is why they’re priced at 8.8 to win outright and 3.1 to win either half.

Marcus Rashford’s goalscoring form has fallen off recently after a string of 10 consecutive games with a successful strike, but he was back on the scoresheet against Spurs and he will be eager to end the season on a high. One goal from the home side might win this.

Prediction: Only Manchester United to score @ 2.32 

Southampton v Fulham

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday 

It’s now or never for the Saints. Their top-flight status has been hanging by a thread for a while now, but that thread will snap unless they get all three points against the Cottagers. 

Southampton have lost four of their last five home games and have failed to score in three of them, but they now face a Fulham side with nothing but pride to play for. 

Fulham: still without Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic

Marco Silva’s team has a goal in them – they have scored in eight of their last 11 games – but, with the hosts desperate for a victory, you would like to think they will at least make a go of it. Both teams have scored in the last two meetings and that trend can continue. 

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 1.75

Saturday’s Premier League Tips

Leeds v Newcastle: Newcastle to win and Over 2.5 goals @ 2.4
Aston Villa v Tottenham: Second-half highest scoring @ 1.97
Manchester United v Wolves: Only Man United to score @ 2.32
Southampton v Fulham: Both teams to score @ 1.75