Michael Owen: Expect goals in Liverpool vs Tottenham, Arsenal to win and Marcus Rashford to score for Manchester United
PREDICTIONS: The former England striker and BetVictor brand ambassador looks ahead to this weekend's round of Premier League games
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Your support makes all the difference.The Premier league returns after an informative international break with the title, seemingly, Leicester City’s to lose. With nearest challengers Spurs facing a tough trip to Anfield on Saturday, and Leicester entertaining Southampton the following day, this could be a pivotal weekend at the top-of-the-table.
BetVictor brand ambassador Michael Owen previews the weekend action...
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
I shall be at Villa Park with BT Sport and can’t see past an away win given Villa have only won two of their last 16 home PL games. Villa are unlikely to have a new coach in post before the weekend although I see BetVictor make David Moyes their 6/4 favourite to be the next manager at Villa Park; if he does get the job let’s hope he can turn the club’s fortunes around.
Michael’s recommendation: Chelsea halftime/fulltime at 11/8
Arsenal vs Watford
The Gunners will be looking for revenge after their FA Cup Quarter-Final defeat at the hands of the Hornets earlier in the month; Arsenal played well at Goodison in their last PL game and they can take the points against a Watford side who have had an excellent first-season back in the PL and can look forward to a Wembley visit later in the month.
Michael’s recommendation: Arsenal to win and Both Teams to Score at 21/10
Bournemouth vs Manchester City
The Cherries have never scored on home soil against Manchester City but I think there will be goals on the south coast despite the fact that City have scored just six times in their last 10 PL away games; a staggering statistic given the attacking talent at their disposal although they have badly missed the excellent Kevin de Bruyne.
Michael’s recommendation: Over 2.5 goals at 5/6
Norwich vs Newcastle United
The Magpies are unbeaten in the PL against the Canaries winning four of the six games between the sides and I fancy a draw at Carrow Road in this vital game near the foot of the table. At least one of these clubs is likely to be playing Championship football next term and a point would suit Rafa Benitez more than Alex Neill given the Geordies have lost their last seven PL games on the road.
Michael’s recommendation: Correct score 1-1 at 6/1
Stoke City vs Swansea City
The Swans have only kept one clean sheet in their last 16 PL away games and I think the Potters can nick it with Austrian Marko Arnautovic continuing to impress at the Britannia.
Michael’s recommendation: Stoke to win at 23/20
Sunderland vs WBA
A vital game for the Black Cats in their quest for PL survival but tough to call with the Baggies always up for the fight; I think there will be goals at the Stadium of Light with Salamon Rondon (four in his last six) and Jermain Defoe (12 PL goals this term) both in decent form of late.
Michael’s recommendation: Both Teams To Score at 4/5
West Ham United vs Crystal Palace
A Wembley semi-final on the horizon but the Eagles are the only side in the top four tiers of English football without a win in their respective division in 2016. They remain a talented unit, however, and are a match for anyone on their day. The last three PL games between the sides have finished in a 3-1 win to the away side but I expect the Irons to maintain their challenge for a Champions League spot with a home win.
Michael’s recommendation: West Ham to win at Evens
Liverpool vs Tottenham
Liverpool have lost just one of their last 21 home games with Tottenham in the PL and this is the acid test of Spurs’ title credentials. I have no strong opinion on the game other than I expect to see both sides find the back of the net; it promises to be a cracker.
Michael’s recommendation: Both Teams to score at 7/10
Leicester City vs Southampton
Saints have lost just one of their last five away games in the PL and this is another big test for the league leaders who will know at the start of the game where they stand with Spurs. The Foxes have kept six clean sheets in their last seven home PL games and, whilst Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have rightly taken most of the plaudits, that is an excellent defensive record at a time when they could have crumbled under the increased expectation. Another three points for the Foxes for me.
Michael’s recommendation: Leicester City to win at 6/5
Manchester United vs Everton
United are another side with an excellent home defensive record having conceded just seven goals in their last 14 PL games at Old Trafford. David de Gea was the difference between the sides in the corresponding game last season but perhaps exciting striker Marcus Rashford might be the match-winner on Sunday.
Michael’s recommendation: Rashford to score during the 90 minutes at 9/5
Michael’s weekend wager: Chelsea, Stoke and Leicester City to all win at 13/2
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