Saturday’s Premier League Predictions: Harry Kane can increase goalscoring record

Greg Lea

9 February 2023

Another Premier League gameweek is upon us and football expert Greg Lea has previewed Saturday’s matches, including Arsenal’s home game against Brentford as the Gunners look to extend their lead.

West Ham United v Chelsea

Kick-off: 12.30pm Saturday

Ten points adrift of the top four, Chelsea are unlikely to qualify for the Champions League this season. Graham Potter will therefore be focused on using the next few months to gel his new-look squad together.

The Blues have scored the joint-fourth fewest first-half goals this season, while only Arsenal and Newcastle United have conceded fewer in the opening 45 minutes. West Ham are not exactly free-scoring either, so expect the first period to end 0-0.

Prediction: 0-0 half-time @ 2.62

Arsenal v Brentford

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Arsenal will try to open up an eight-point lead over Manchester City in the title race as the reigning champions aren’t in action until Sunday. It won’t be easy, though, as Brentford are a notoriously tough nut to crack and remain unbeaten in nine games in the top flight.

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The Bees have scored in eight of those nine matches, while Arsenal have conceded in each of their last three outings in all competitions. Goals at both ends is the way to go in this London derby.

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 2.02

Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Crystal Palace and Brighton - two clubs in contrasting form - will renew hostilities on Saturday. Palace have gone five games without a win and now sit just six points clear of the relegation zone, whereas Brighton have taken 10 points from the last 12 on offer.

Follow the form book and back the Seagulls at Selhurst Park. Palace are struggling to score goals and their talisman Wilfried Zaha looks set to miss out with a hamstring issue.

Prediction: Brighton to win @ 2.1

Fulham v Nottingham Forest

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Only four teams in the division have accumulated more points than Nottingham Forest over their last six matches. Steve Cooper’s side has opened up a six-point buffer above the bottom three and are no longer among the favourites to go down.

Fulham are doing even better despite a three-match winless streak of late. Four of their last five encounters have featured two goals or fewer, as have each of Forest’s last five games.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.9

Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Harry Kane celebrated his 200th goal in the Premier League last weekend, which also led to the Tottenham talisman becoming his club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Kane once represented Leicester on loan, but there is no opponent he prefers playing against. The England captain has found the back of the net 20 times in 19 appearances against the Foxes, who have long been sick of the sight of him. With Kane in fine form, the trend may well continue this weekend.

Prediction: Harry Kane anytime goalscorer @ 2.08

Southampton v Wolves

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Nathan Jones might have only been appointed as Southampton boss in November, but he is in danger of losing his job already. The former Luton Town manager has not made the desired impact at St Mary’s and his press conference comments have not exactly endeared himself to the Southampton fans.

Julen Lopetegui has done a much better job at Wolves since taking charge. They blitzed Liverpool 3-0 last time out and should prove too strong for the Saints on Saturday.

Prediction: Wolves to win @ 2.68