Saturday’s Premier League Predictions: Guardiola’s Man City can demolish Saints

Greg Lea

6 April 2023

Football expert Greg Lea has provided his top tips for five Premier League matches set to take place on Saturday, including a strong selection in the game at St Mary’s.

Manchester United v Everton

Kick-off: 12.30pm Saturday

Manchester United consolidated their position in the top four during the week as Marcus Rashford’s first-half goal earned them a 1-0 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford. Only Arsenal and Manchester City have a better home record than United, and this looks like another winnable match for the Red Devils in front of their own fans.

Everton are on a four-game unbeaten run, although three of those matches were draws. Sean Dyche has made the Toffees much tougher to beat, but they are still struggling for goals - no side in the division has scored fewer. Another win and clean sheet could be on the cards for Erik ten Hag’s squad.

Prediction: Manchester United to win to nil @ 2.34

Leicester City v Bournemouth

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Leicester are on the lookout for a new manager, so Adam Sadler is set to continue in a caretaker role for the visit of Bournemouth this weekend. This is a huge match for both teams, but particularly the Foxes. Having taken just one point from the last 21 available, Leicester desperately need to stop the rot.

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Bournemouth continue to defy expectations in their own battle against the drop, but their defensive frailties could ultimately count against them. These are two of the three most porous backlines in the Premier League, so clean sheets could continue to elude them.

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 1.85

Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton & Hove Albion

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Tottenham weren’t able to hold on for victory when they faced Everton last time out. A 1-1 draw at Goodison Park, together with midweek wins for Manchester United and Newcastle United, means Spurs are now outside the Champions League qualification spots.

Brighton are also involved in the race for the top four. A seven-point deficit is surmountable, in large part because the Seagulls have played fewer games than all the teams around them. They have an excellent away record and will play without fear at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where attacks are likely to come out on top.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.9

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Frank Lampard will begin his second spell in charge of Chelsea at Molineux as the Blues attempt to climb back into the top half of the Premier League table. This has largely been a season to forget for Chelsea but, with a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on the horizon, the west Londoners still have something to fight for.

Chelsea have struggled for goals all season long, while Wolves are the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League. This match could therefore take a while to get going.

Prediction: 0-0 at half-time @ 2.64

Southampton v Manchester City

Kick-off: 5.30pm Saturday

Manchester City can close the gap at the top of the table to five points at St Mary’s with Arsenal not in action until Sunday. After an initial improvement under Ruben Selles, Southampton have faltered of late: the Premier League’s bottom side has failed to score in three of their last four matches.

City were magnificent in their 4-1 triumph over Liverpool last weekend. Pep Guardiola’s men are in a good place right now and this should be a comfortable evening for them.

Prediction: Manchester City -2.5 Asian handicap @ 2.78