Saturday's Premier League shot and goalscorer predictions: Gordon can shine

Free special tips, best bets and analysis for Manchester United v Southampton, Brentford v Crystal Palace and Everton v Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday.

Where to watch

Manchester United v Southampton
BT Sport 1, 12.30pm

Best bets

Anthony Gordon to have a shot on target
2pts 11-8 Hills

Anthony Gordon to score from outside the box
1pt 14-1 Ladbrokes

28 or more shots in Manchester United v Southampton
1pt Evs Paddy Power, Betfair

Pontus Jansson to have a shot on target
1pt 7-2 Paddy Power, Betfair

Preview

Anthony Gordon was Everton’s sharpest player against Newcastle, with his workrate and trickery causing a number of problems for the Magpies’ back four. Given the injury to Demarai Gray, it’s likely that Gordon will retain his place in the starting lineup.

The forward has averaged 0.72 shots on target per 90 minutes this season and the Leeds side the Toffees are taking on have the second-worst record for conceding shots on goal in the league, allowing 5.04 per game.

As a result, the 11-8 about Gordon registering a shot on target looks overpriced, and it's also worth backing the Everton player to score from outside the box. His average shot distance has been 16.9 yards this year.

Manchester United have improved their attacking output under Ralf Rangnick but it is yet to be reflected in a major upturn in results.

The Red Devils have managed 53 shots in their last two games, including extra time of their game against Middlesbrough. Their opponents Southampton have been in similarly free-shooting mood, notching 41 strikes on goal in their last two ties, again including extra time in their FA Cup tie.

With both sides in such gung-ho mood, it may pay to side with 28 shots or more being fired in what could be a busy early kick-off.

Much has been made of Crystal Palace’s poor set-piece defending this season - no team have conceded more from such situations than Patrick Vieira’s.

Brentford are on a poor run and will be desperate for a result to kickstart their season again. The Bees have been successful from set plays this season, creating the highest expected goals tally of any team in the league from such situations of 11.8.

Pontus Jansson is their primary threat and he looks a decent price at 7-2 to register a shot on target.

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