Premier League Saturday tips: Greg Lea says Newcastle can frustrate Liverpool

There are plenty of unresolved issues right throughout the Premier League, with some big matches taking place on Saturday. Here are some tips for the early kick-off and the 3pm matches.

Newcastle United vs Liverpool

12.30pm, BT Sport

This would have seemed like a straightforward assignment for Liverpool in the first half of the season, but it will be anything but this weekend. Newcastle are revitalised under Eddie Howe, with Jurgen Klopp's side the only team in the Premier League to have taken more points in 2022.

The Magpies have been particularly strong at home, winning six consecutive matches at St James’ Park for the first time since the Bobby Robson era. Liverpool, coming off the back of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Villarreal, will be made to work for the three points.

The Reds are in fantastic form themselves, but the odds on a Newcastle win or a draw are attractive.

Recommended bet: Newcastle or draw @ 2.78

Aston Villa vs Norwich City

3pm

All things considered, this has been a disappointing season for Aston Villa. The club spent sizable sums in both transfer windows, yet they head into the weekend in 15th place. Eight points clear of the drop zone, they are not yet mathematically safe from the threat of relegation.

One more win is all it will take to in effect confirm Villa’s top-flight status, and they should get it this weekend. Norwich are on their way back to the Championship and Dean Smith is likely to endure a miserable return to his former club.

Villa kept a clean sheet against Leicester City last time out, and Steven Gerrard will want to see similar solidity from his side on Saturday.

Recommended bet: Aston Villa to win to nil @ 2.26

Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa currently lie in 15th place in the Premier League after a disappointing run of form

Southampton vs Crystal Palace

3pm

These two teams have nothing much to play for, but Ralph Hasenhuttl and Patrick Vieira will nevertheless be keen to see their sides end the season strongly. Both Southampton and Palace have gone a little off the boil of late: the Saints have won only one of their last eight outings, while the Eagles have taken just one point from the last nine available.

With the pressure off, we could be treated to an entertaining game at St Mary’s. Both teams always look to play on the front foot and neither is likely to settle for a point.

Recommended bet: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.22

Watford vs Burnley

3pm

Burnley’s dismissal of Sean Dyche might have been a smart decision after all: the Clarets have taken seven points from a possible nine since Mike Jackson was handed the reins on an interim basis. They now have the chance to move five clear of Everton, at least temporarily, in the battle to avoid the drop.

Watford are dismal at home, having lost each of their last 10 matches in front of their own fans. A rejuvenated Burnley can make it 11 consecutive defeats for the Hornets here.

Recommended bet: Burnley to win @ 2.8

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Brighton & Hove Albion

3pm

Wolves might still be eighth in the table but they have tailed off in recent weeks, losing five of their last eight matches. Back-to-back 1-0 defeats by Newcastle and Burnley show that Bruno Lage’s side are still struggling to put the ball in the net.

That has been a problem for Brighton at times too, so Saturday’s contest at Molineux is unlikely to be goal-laden. It could be worth a punt on a maximum of one being scored.

Recommended bet: under 1.5 goals @ 2.58

Recommended bets

Newcastle or draw @ 2.78

Villa to nil @ 2.26

Saints/Palace BTTS & over 2.5 @ 2.22

Burnley @ 2.8

Wolves/Brighton under 1.5 @ 2.58