Premier League tips: why Man City can run riot against Watford

There are plenty of unresolved issues throughout the Premier League as we approach the end of the season, with some crunch matches in the title race and top-four battle taking place on Saturday. Here are our top tips.

Leicester City vs Aston Villa

Saturday 23 April, 3pm

Aston Villa’s season has been a story of boom and bust. They have drawn only three games – the fewest in the division – and their performances tend to oscillate wildly from week to week and month to month. Their current four-match losing streak was preceded by three wins on the bounce.

Villa could have the edge on Saturday, though. They should be pretty fresh, having not played since April 9; Leicester have had four games in two different competitions since then. The Foxes will also have an eye on their upcoming Europa Conference League semi-final against Roma, the first leg of which takes place on Thursday. Brendan Rodgers is understandably prioritising that competition, and Villa have the chance to take advantage.

Recommended Bet: Aston Villa to win @ 2.7

Manchester City vs Watford

Saturday 23 April, 3pm

The pressure was on Manchester City on Wednesday night. Having witnessed Liverpool demolish Manchester United 24 hours earlier, the champions were facing a resurgent Brighton & Hove Albion side.

It took City until the 53rd minute to make the breakthrough, but they were good value for all three points in the end. They now have the chance to move four points clear at the summit of the standings by beating Watford.

It is almost certainly too late for the Hornets to save themselves. Roy Hodgson has been unable to sufficiently improve a defence which has now shipped 62 goals in 32 matches. This could be another high-scoring match, mostly at Watford’s expense.

Recommended Bet: Over 3.5 goals @ 1.98

Pep Guardiola's City came through Brighton test

Norwich City vs Newcastle United

Saturday 23 April, 3pm

Newcastle reached the 40-point mark with a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in midweek. It was a game of two halves at St James’ Park, with the hosts dominating the opening 45 minutes but forced to hang on after the break.

Hang on they did, with Eddie Howe’s side winning their ninth game of the calendar year. Remarkably, only Liverpool have amassed more points than Newcastle in 2022. Norwich fans have had little to cheer this season and Saturday will probably bring their 22nd defeat of a campaign that will end with relegation.

Recommended Bet: Newcastle to win @ 2.18

Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur

Saturday 23 April, 5.30pm, Sky Sports

Arsenal’s surprise victory over Chelsea on Wednesday has blown the top-four race wide open again. The Gunners are now level on points with Tottenham having played the same amount of games, although their meeting with Manchester United will finish three hours before Antonio Conte’s side run out at Brentford.

Arsenal might appear to have the tougher assignment this weekend, but Brentford are in better form than United. In fact, only Liverpool have a better record than the Bees over the last six games. Brentford have found the net in each of their last six outings and will give Tottenham plenty to think about here. We are likely to see goals at both ends in Saturday’s late kick-off.

Recommended Bet: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.18

Recommended bets

Aston Villa @ 2.7

Over 3.5 City-Watford @ 1.98

Newcastle @ 2.18

Brentford-Spurs BTTS & over 2.5 @ 2.18