Premier League: Predictions for all eight games on Saturday

There are eight games on the Premier League card this Saturday in the final round of fixtures before the World Cup — here are our expert writers’ top selections for each of those fixtures.

Manchester City vs Brentford (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Manchester City match up really well to Brentford in that they hardly ever lose possession in areas that invite quick transitions and counter-attacks, nor are they vulnerable aerially at set-pieces.

The champions won both contests against the Bees last season without breaking sweat and another three points should be comfortably secured by the final whistle in Saturday’s encounter.

Erling Haaland’s availability ought to make things easier for Guardiola’s side, who do not look as potent when the Norwegian is not on the pitch, but they have far too much quality in attacking areas for Brentford’s backline.

Only an inspired performance from David Raya could prevent City from covering the -2 Spread (3 Way), available to back at 19/20 with LiveScore Bet, as they have done in four of their seven previous home league games this season.

Bournemouth vs Everton (Saturday, 3pm)

Both teams have scored in seven of the past eight head-to-head meetings between these clubs, with an average of 4.25 goals per game across that sequence.

And it would be a surprise if this was not another open affair with both Bournemouth and Everton finding the back of each other’s net, available at 8/11 with LiveScore Bet, this Saturday.

Liverpool vs Southampton (Saturday, 3pm)

While they have suffered a few wobbles this season, Liverpool have bounced back from defeat to Leeds by beating Napoli — the form team in Europe — 2-0 at Anfield.

The Reds then took all three points from their trip to Tottenham before doing just enough with the youngsters to get through against Derby in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Their recent home victories when keeping clean sheets against Manchester City and West Ham are more representative of Liverpool’s level at Anfield and the Reds should again win to nil against Southampton, available at 19/20 with LiveScore Bet.

Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace (Saturday, 3pm)

Palace should continue to be hard to break down and they will expect a result against most of their opponents.

Forest’s upturn in form means they are no longer a soft touch, but while they should avoid defeat, Steve Cooper’s men may have to settle for a point against a solid Palace side. Back the draw, available at 21/10 with LiveScore Bet.

Tottenham vs Leeds (Saturday, 3pm)

Jesse Marsch’s all-out attacking style suggests that if Tottenham are sluggish at the outset they could easily again concede before they get going.

However, Leeds’ defensive frailty and the return to fitness of Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski means that Tottenham should be able to do enough to win, even if they suffer an early setback.

Backing a home win in which both teams score looks a decent play at 8/5, but given the pattern of recent Spurs matches, it is tempting to go with a Tottenham win from behind, available at 5/1 with LiveScore Bet.

West Ham vs Leicester (Saturday, 3pm)

Since a 6-2 defeat at Tottenham in a baptism of fire for Wout Faes, the Foxes have conceded just three goals in eight games.

Prior to his arrival, Leicester had conceded 16 goals in seven — a remarkable turnaround in defensive resilience.

David Moyes’ men claimed victory against struggling trio Aston Villa, Wolves and Bournemouth when all three were low on confidence and out of form, and also gained a hugely fortunate win against Fulham, thanks to a series of ropey refereeing decisions.

But their other 10 league games have returned just two draws and eight defeats as West Ham have struggled against better opponents.

The Foxes’ current form and trajectory suggests they, too, can be placed in the ‘better opponent’ bracket and backing Leicester draw no bet looks a solid option at 7/5 with LiveScore Bet.

Newcastle vs Chelsea (Saturday 5.30pm)

Graham Potter’s squad has certainly been severely hampered by injury.

The Blues’ manager is arguably without his first-choice selections in goal, in both wing-back positions, in defensive midfield and central defence, which undoubtedly makes Chelsea more vulnerable.

That defensive frailty has been exposed by Brighton and Arsenal in Chelsea’s last two Premier League outings and could be exploited again this weekend.

Newcastle have scored four goals or more in four of their last seven matches and a home win is the call at 5/4 with LiveScore Bet.

Wolves vs Arsenal (Saturday, 7.45pm)

While the Wolves players may be boosted by the appointment of Julen Lopetegui and showed signs of raising their game to impress their new manager at home to Brighton last weekend, they still lost 3-2.

And while Brighton are a very good team, Arsenal are even better and should have fewer problems blunting a Wolves attack that is severely hampered by injury and suspension.

The Gunners have managed to keep cleans sheets in winning three of their last four league outings and Arsenal to again win to nil at 13/10 — available with LiveScore Bet — looks a sensible approach.