Sunday Premier League Tips: Can Arsenal extend their lead at the top?

We’ve got a bumper Sunday of Premier League football to enjoy. Greg Lea previews all five games and provides his Premier League predictions, with leaders Arsenal among those in action.

Aston Villa v Brentford

Kick-off: 2pm Sunday

Aston Villa acted decisively in the wake of Thursday’s 3-0 loss to Fulham, sacking Steven Gerrard just minutes after the final whistle at Craven Cottage. The ex-Rangers boss could have few complaints: Villa have spent big money during his year-long tenure, but there have been barely any visible signs of progress.

The Birmingham side may well have a new manager lined up, but at the time of writing they look set to go into Sunday’s game with a caretaker boss in the dugout.

Brentford will look to take advantage of the turbulence, while Villa will hope to get a lift from the exit of Gerrard, whose dismissal was broadly supported by the fans. Attacking football could come out on top in this one.

Prediction: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.14

Leeds v Fulham

Kick-off: 2pm Sunday

Gerrard’s dismissal, together with midweek wins for Brendan Rodgers and Ralph Hasenhuttl, means Jesse Marsch is perhaps the Premier League manager most under pressure going into the weekend. 

Aleksander Mitrovic: Can score for Fulham on Sunday

Leeds lost 2-0 to Leicester City on Thursday, leaving them outside the bottom three on goal difference alone. Marsch has never been fully embraced by Leeds fans, most of whom backed Marcelo Bielsa until the very end. They were even still singing the former manager’s name on Thursday night.

The home team will look to make a quick start to this match and overwhelm Fulham with their high-intensity pressing game, but the Cottagers are a resolute outfit these days – and as they showed in the 3-0 defeat of Villa, they also pack a punch going forward. Expect an entertaining first half at Elland Road.

Prediction: Over 1.5 goals in the first half @ 2.5

Southampton v Arsenal

Kick-off: 2pm Sunday

Arsenal were not in Premier League action in midweek, but they did beat PSV 1-0 in the Europa League to extend their winning streak to eight matches in all competitions.

Equally notable is the fact that the Gunners have kept a clean sheet in three consecutive games, and in four of their last five outings. Liverpool are the only side to have breached their backline in their last 509 minutes of action.

It is difficult to win the Premier League title with a shaky backline, so Mikel Arteta will draw confidence from his team’s defensive record. Another shut-out will be the objective at St Mary’s.

Prediction: Southampton under 0.5 goals @ 2.48

Wolves v Leicester 

Kick-off: 2pm Sunday

After Mick Beale rejected their advances, Wolves have confirmed that Steve Davis will remain the club’s interim manager until 2023. That is something of a gamble: there are 18 points to play for between now and the turn of the year, and Davis’ last managerial job was in the National League.

Jamie Vardy: can play a pivotal role for Leicester

Leicester will be looking for back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time this season after a 2-0 victory over Leeds. An away victory is available at an attractive price given Wolves’ recent struggles.

Prediction: Leicester to win @ 3.4

Tottenham v Newcastle 

Kick-off: 4.30pm Sunday

Tottenham might be third in the Premier League but they have regularly underwhelmed this season. Having previously been outplayed in meetings with Chelsea and Arsenal, Spurs were once again disappointing in a clash with a fellow big-six side in midweek, going down 2-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Newcastle have only lost one match this term and will arrive in North London just five points behind their opponents. Eddie Howe’s side will look to catch Tottenham napping in the first half.

Prediction: Newcastle to score more than 0.5 goals in the first half @ 2.28

Premier League Tips

Aston Villa v Brentford: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.14
Leeds United v Fulham: Over 1.5 goals in the first half @ 2.5
Southampton v Arsenal: Southampton under 0.5 goals @ 2.48
Wolves v Leicester City: Leicester to win @ 3.4
Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United: Newcastle to score more than 0.5 goals in the first half @ 2.28