Premier League Tips: Greg Lea backs Manchester City to dominate against Newcastle

Leeds United vs Chelsea

Kick-off: 2pm Sunday

Thomas Tuchel was not entirely satisfied with the final result as Chelsea drew 2-2 with Tottenham last weekend, but he had no qualms about his team’s performance. The Blues were the better team on the day and should really have emerged victorious, but a return of four points from a possible six still represents a decent start to the campaign for a side that had questions to answer after a mixed summer in the transfer market.

Leeds have also started 2022/23 strongly with four points to their name. After coming from behind on the opening day to beat Wolves, they had a taste of their own medicine when Southampton snatched a point from a two-goal deficit last weekend. A 2-2 draw at St Mary’s kept Jesse Marsch’s side unbeaten, while only Manchester City, Arsenal, Spurs and Brentford have scored more goals so far.

Chelsea have found the net in both of their matches and will expect to do so again here. This should be an entertaining encounter - and it is unlikely to be low-scoring.

Selection: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.16

West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Kick-off: 2pm Sunday

West Ham were unfortunate to leave the City Ground empty-handed on matchday two. Declan Rice missed a penalty, Saïd Benrahma had a goal chalked off and the Hammers rattled the woodwork three times in a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest. David Moyes’ men deserved to get something from the match but they will need to dust themselves down ahead of Sunday’s clash with Brighton.

The Hammers looked a little leggy at Forest and the fact they were in Europa Conference League action on Thursday could exacerbate that issue, particularly against a Brighton team that is adept at taking the ball away from their opponents.

Yet it is worth remembering that Albion are the Premier League’s draw specialists. The scores finished level in 15 of their games last season - the joint-highest number in the division. Both managers would probably settle for a point at the London Stadium, and the price available is too tempting to ignore.

Selection: Draw @ 3.5

Newcastle United vs Manchester City

Kick-off: 4.30pm Sunday

St James’ Park is beginning to become a fortress again. Since the turn of the year Newcastle’s sole defeat on home turf came in a slender 1-0 loss to Liverpool, and the Magpies demonstrated their dominance in front of their own fans on the opening weekend as Nottingham Forest struggled in a 2-0 defeat.

Needless to say, Sunday’s meeting with Manchester City will be an altogether tougher assignment. Eddie Howe’s side lost this fixture 4-0 last term and, while Newcastle have made huge strides since that encounter in December 2021, City remain the strongest team in the league. The champions have barely missed a beat so far this season, easing past West Ham on the opening weekend and then brushing aside Bournemouth last time out.

City opted for a controlled approach at West Ham and we should see a similar approach here. Pep Guardiola’s side will show patience in possession and have the tools to do damage on the counter-attack if they were to ship an early goal. Newcastle are improving, but denying City victory will be a tall order.

Selection: Manchester City to win at half-time and full-time @ 2.02

Recommended trades

Back Leeds-Chelsea BTTS & Over 2.5 @ 2.16
Back West Ham-Brighton draw @ 3.5
Back Man City/Man City HT/FT @ 2.02