Premier League Saturday Predictions: In-form Newcastle can defeat Chelsea

The final round of Premier League fixtures before the 2022 World Cup take place this weekend. Here are football expert Greg Lee’s Saturday predictions.

Manchester City v Brentford

Kick-off: 12.30pm Saturday

Ten-man Manchester City left it late to see off Fulham last weekend - Erling Haaland made it 2-1 to the champions deep into second-half stoppage time. Pep Guardiola will hope for a more straightforward afternoon when Brentford come to town in the early kick-off on Saturday.

With the World Cup just around the corner, participating players may look to protect themselves from potential injuries or fatigue. If City go one or two goals ahead, they will probably be happy to control the game through possession. A relatively low-scoring home win is the likeliest outcome.

Prediction: Under 3.5 goals @ 1.9

Bournemouth v Everton

Kick-off: 3.00pm Saturday

For the second time in as many weeks, Bournemouth threw away a two-goal advantage in a Premier League game. The Cherries led 3-1 against Leeds United early in the second half, but Gary O’Neil watched his side concede three times to ultimately go down 4-3.

The positive is that was the second match in a row that the Cherries have found the net more than once. Perhaps the scoring drought is now over? They clearly have problems at the other end of the pitch, though, and Everton, who are not exactly free-scoring, could take advantage. Cue some first-half goals.

Prediction: Over 1.5 goals first half @ 2.96

Liverpool v Southampton

Kick-off: 3.00pm Saturday

Liverpool finally picked up their first away win of the Premier League campaign on matchday 15 as Mohamed Salah’s brace earned them a 2-1 triumph over Tottenham. Another victory this weekend could see them edge closer to the top four.

Mo Salah: has been in good recent form for the reds

Southampton slipped into the bottom three after a 4-1 home defeat by Newcastle, a result which cost manager Ralph Hasenhuttl his job. This could be another tough assignment for the Saints, who have kept just one clean sheet all season.

Prediction: Liverpool over 2.5 goals @ 1.84

Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace

Kick-off: 3.00pm Saturday

Nottingham Forest rescued a point in dramatic fashion against Brentford last Saturday, but failure to notch a home win against a bottom-half team was ultimately disappointing. Steve Cooper’s side is still rooted to the foot of the table after winning just two of their first 14 fixtures.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will still be on a high after their last-gasp victory over West Ham United. Wilfried Zaha was on the scoresheet at the London Stadium and could be deployed as a striker once again at the City Ground. Forest’s shaky backline will struggle to contain him.

Prediction: Wilfried Zaha to score anytime @ 2.96

Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United

Kick-off: 3.00pm Saturday

A 2-1 loss to Liverpool means Tottenham have now taken just one point from a possible 12 against fellow big-six sides this season. They are eight points adrift of top spot, despite having played a game more than Manchester City and Arsenal.

Nevertheless, Spurs have been pretty reliable against teams in the bottom half of the division. Cue Antonio Conte’s men to bounce back against Leeds, whose recent games have featured plenty of goals.

Prediction: Tottenham to win and over 2.5 goals @ 2.96

West Ham United v Leicester City

Kick-off: 3.00pm Saturday

Leicester look to have turned a corner and have posted just one defeat from their last five games. Brendan Rodgers’ men have also only conceded once in that timeframe - a stunning free-kick by Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

Jamie Vardy: can play a pivotal role for Leicester

On the other hand, West Ham produced another laboured display in their 2-1 loss to Palace last Sunday. Leicester will be quietly confident of keeping the home team’s attack quiet, so this could be a low-scoring affair.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.91

Newcastle United v Chelsea

Kick-off: 3.00pm Saturday

Newcastle are favourites to beat Chelsea on Saturday, which shows how much progress they have made over the last 12 months. The Magpies are thriving in the Premier League – not even Arsenal or Manchester City can match their record over the last six matches – and look to be genuine top-four challengers.

Chelsea were out of sorts against Arsenal and still seem to be finding their feet under Graham Potter. Follow the formbook with this one.

Prediction: Newcastle to win @ 2.34

Saturday Premier League Predictions

Man City v Brentford: Under 3.5 goals @ 1.9
Bournemouth v Everton: Over 1.5 first-half goals @ 2.96
Liverpool v Southampton: Liverpool over 2.5 goals @ 1.84
Forest v Palace: Wilfried Zaha to score anytime @ 2.96
Tottenham v Leeds: Tottenham to win and over 2.5 goals @ 2.96
West Ham v Leicester: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.91
Newcastle v Chelsea: Newcastle to win @ 2.34