Saturday’s Premier League Predictions: Arsenal hope to extend their lead

Joe Crann

31 March 2023

Following an international break that saw Harry Kane leapfrog Wayne Rooney to become England’s all-time top goalscorer, the Premier League returns to the fore this weekend.

It will be a big couple of days in the title race as domestic action comes back with a bang as Man City face Liverpool at The Etihad stadium, while Arsenal will look to defend their league lead when they face Leeds at the Emirates later on Saturday.

Things aren’t just looking tight at the top, and there are a couple of massive games at the other end of the table as the business end of the campaign approaches. Football expert Joe Crann previews some of the drama on offer.

Manchester City v Liverpool

Kick-off: 12.30pm Saturday

It might feel a little strange that this March match-up isn’t potentially title deciding, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty on the line in Manchester.

No team has caused more trouble for Pep Guardiola’s squad than Jurgen Klopp’s Reds in recent times, which makes it interesting that the hosts are such heavy favourites (1.65) for victory.

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Perhaps that’s due to City’s six-game winning streak, which is largely thanks to the prolific nature of Norweigen striker Erling Haaland, who has recorded nine goals in his last three matches. After missing his country’s two European Championships qualifiers due to injury, his presence in the starting line-up would strike fear into the opposition.

Trends tell you that Liverpool have won three of their last four meetings with City, and they desperately need another victory as they continue to search for a top four spot. However, it’s really difficult to look past the blue side of Manchester in their current form. It’s worth coupling a City win with both teams to score, given that has happened in 11 of the last 14 meetings between these two.

Prediction: Manchester City and both teams to score @ 3.55

Arsenal v Leeds United

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

After keeping a very close eye on things at the Etihad in the early kick-off, Mikel Arteta will hope his Arsenal squad will pile on the pressure by beating Leeds as they continue to search for what some would still consider an unlikely Premier League trophy.

Only three clubs have stopped the Gunners from winning on home soil in the Premier League this season and they have scored three or more goals on nine separate occasions, so Leeds certainly have a job on their hands.

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The Whites have scored six times in their last two league matches, though, so they won’t be short on confidence in front of goal. Given Arsenal’s defence is hardly watertight, both teams to score (1.96) could be worth a look. However, Leeds’ torrid away form makes it hard to see anything other than a home victory.

Prediction: Arsenal to win and Over 2.5 goals @ 1.8

Crystal Palace v Leicester City

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

The two teams that surround the aforementioned Leeds are Crystal Palace and Leicester, who remain stuck in a relegation scrap with a third of the season left to play.

Veteran manager Roy Hodgson’s first game back at Selhurst Park couldn’t be any more important than this, so I’m predicting a very cagey affair between two sides that will try to avoid defeat. As a result, under 2.5 goals is extremely tempting.

The Eagles haven’t scored more than once in any game in 2023 so far, while Leicester haven’t done so since February when they stuck four past Tottenham. There’s not much evidence to suggest a change this time around.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.77