Premier League: Greg Lea predicts goals galore as he pinpoints his five Saturday selections

Matchday two of the 2022/23 Premier League season is already upon us and seven games, including Man City’s home clash against Bournemouth, will whet the appetite on Saturday.

A big slate equals only one thing - an accumulator. Our football writer Greg Lea has five selections that shouldn’t be missed this weekend.

Arsenal vs Leicester City

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Arsenal got their season off to a winning start by overcoming Crystal Palace last Friday. Only Manchester City and Liverpool collected more points in meetings with ‘the big six’ than Palace in the 2021/22 season, so a 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park looked an excellent result.

Even so, Mikel Arteta will have spent much of the week preaching the importance of control to his team after they relinquished their domination of possession in the second half. Arsenal are unlikely to overcommit in attack if it means ceding control of the midfield, especially as Leicester are an accomplished team with the ball.

With James Maddison supporting Jamie Vardy, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Youri Tielemans pushing on from midfield, Leicester have the firepower to score. However, that isn’t likely to prevent defeat.

Selection: Arsenal to win and both teams to score @ 3.15

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Newcastle United

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Despite losing two key players in Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella in the summer transfer market, Brighton did not miss a beat on matchday one. 

Graham Potter’s men played some typically fantastic football at Old Trafford and sealed a deserved 2-1 victory against a lacklustre Manchester United side. Now they return home to the Amex.

Graham Potter: led his team to an opening day victory against Manchester United

Newcastle were dominant against Nottingham Forest in their first match of 2022/23, but they will not find it quite so easy to impose themselves on this game, largely because it is away from home. Nevertheless, both of these teams play with attacking intent, so we should be treated to an entertaining encounter.

Selection: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.1

Manchester City vs Bournemouth

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Erling Haaland was the name on everyone’s lips after his brace inspired Manchester City to a 2-0 triumph over West Ham United on the opening weekend. The Norway international’s pace and power adds another dimension to what was already the Premier League’s best attack, which is a frightening prospect for the rest of the division.

Bournemouth beat Aston Villa in their first game back in the top flight, but they are unlikely to avoid defeat at the Eithad Stadium on Saturday. City will look to start quickly in front of their own supporters and they could put the game to bed before half-time.

Selection: Manchester City over 1.5 first-half goals @ 2.28

Southampton vs Leeds United

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Southampton and Leeds have both been tipped to struggle this season. There were few positives for the Saints to take from the opening weekend: they were too open defensively and limp in attack.

Put in their place by Tottenham Hotspur, a home game against Leeds offers Southampton an opportunity to get back on track. However, confidence may be low after their dismal end to last season was followed by a thrashing on matchday one.

Leeds: Jesse Marsch's side won't want to concede first again

Leeds will have more self-belief following their come-from-behind win against Wolves. Manager Jesse Marsch will be keen to keep things tight in the first half, though, especially after his team conceded the first goal last weekend.  

Selection: Draw at half-time @ 2.26

Wolves vs Fulham

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

This has been a discomforting summer for Wolves. Nathan Collins was the only new face brought into the side before the big kick-off seven days ago and, while Goncalo Guedes has now joined Bruno Lage’s squad, the forward is unlikely to start this weekend. 

The club’s willingness to let club captain Conor Coady depart this week was puzzling, notwithstanding Lage’s desire to switch to a back four.

Fulham were brilliant against Liverpool last time out, and their performance suggested they will be more competitive this season than they were in their previous Premier League spells. With Raul Jimenez still missing for Wolves, the Cottagers could pull off a minor shock by winning at Molineux.

Selection: Fulham to win @ 3.25

Recommended trades

Back Arsenal to win and Both Teams To Score @ 3.15
Back Brighton-Newcastle over 2.5 goals @ 2.1
Back Man City over 1.5 first half goals @ 2.28
Back Southampton-Leeds draw half-time @ 2.26
Back Fulham to win @ 3.25