Premier League Saturday tips: five key bets including Brighton vs Man United
Greg Lea
5 May 2022
This is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating finishes to a Premier League season, with unresolved issues throughout the division. Here’s our preview of Saturday's action.
Brentford vs Southampton
3pm
A win for either side in west London would secure their Premier League status, while the loser would still not be mathematically safe from relegation. That should be incentive enough for both teams to seek victory in this one.
Brentford were poor against Manchester United last time out, but they collected 10 points from the previous 12 available. Southampton, on the other hand, have just one win in their last nine matches, during which time they have conceded an average of 2.33 goals per game. Brentford can take advantage of the Saints’ leaky backline.
Recommended bet: Brentford to score over 1.5 goals @ 2.14
Burnley vs Aston Villa
3pm
Burnley’s revival under Mike Jackson continued last time out, as the Clarets came from behind to beat Watford 2-1. Everton’s victory over Chelsea means they are still just two points clear of the drop zone, but Burnley have renewed belief in the battle to avoid the drop.
A double-header against Aston Villa could determine their fate. Steven Gerrard’s side have nothing meaningful to play for and that could play into Burnley’s hands in the first meeting at Turf Moor. A fourth home win in a row is a distinct possibility.
Recommended bet: Burnley to win @ 3
Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
3pm
Chelsea’s form has tailed off in recent weeks, which will be a worry for Thomas Tuchel as he prepares for the FA Cup final next weekend.
A home game against Wolves offers the Blues a good chance to get back on track. Bruno Lage’s side have also gone off the boil of late, losing three games on the bounce without scoring a goal.
Putting the ball in the back of the net has been an issue for Wolves all season long: only Watford, Norwich City and Burnley have scored fewer goals.
Recommended bet: Chelsea to win to nil @ 1.99
Crystal Palace vs Watford
3pm
Watford will be relegated back to the Championship unless they beat Crystal Palace on Saturday, but there has been little in their recent performances to suggest they are capable of winning at Selhurst Park. The Hornets have now lost five games in a row, conceding 14 goals along the way.
Wilfried Zaha was the match-winner for Palace against Southampton last time out. The Ivory Coast international has six goals in his last nine Premier League outings, including a brace in the reverse fixture at Vicarage Road. Zaha tends to play well against Watford and he could move onto 13 goals for the season against Roy Hodgson’s side.
Recommended bet: Wilfried Zaha to score anytime @ 2.68
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United
5.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event
A win this weekend would move Manchester United a step closer to securing Europa League qualification, but a trip to the Amex Stadium will not be straightforward. Brighton have lost only one of their last six matches and were excellent in a 3-0 triumph over Wolves last weekend.
United have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last nine away games, so Brighton will fancy their chances of scoring here. We could be in store for an entertaining encounter on the south coast.
Recommended bet: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.16
Recommended bets
Brentford over 1.5 @ 2.14
Burnley @ 3
Chelsea to nil @ 1.99
Zaha anytime @ 2.68
Brighton/United BTTS/over 2.5 @ 2.16
Greg Lea
5 May 2022