Predictions for all eight EPL games on Saturday 12th November, 2022

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 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 winning as they have done in four of their seven previous home league games this season.

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, this Saturday.

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.

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.

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.

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.