Michael Owen: Expect goals in West Ham vs Arsenal and Tottenham to beat 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.Leicester City took another big step towards the Premier League title with another 1-0 win last weekend over Southampton and they take on Sunderland on Sunday with a seven-point lead at the top of the table.
BetVictor brand ambassador Michael Owen looks ahead to that game at the Stadium Of Light and the rest of this weekend's Premier League games...
West Ham vs Arsenal
The Hammers are looking to do the double over the Gunners having won at the Emirates on the opening weekend of the season; that said Arsenal had won the previous nine games in the PL between the clubs and this is a very big game for both clubs with Europe. The Irons are three points off that final Champions League spot and they need to win to mount a realistic challenge for a top four finish; their last two games have finished in 2-2 draws and I expect to see goals at the Boleyn Ground.
Michael’s recommendation: Both teams to score at 8/13
Aston Villa vs Bournemouth
When Villa beat Bournemouth on the south coast on the opening day of the campaign few could have envisaged the path the sides would take in the next eight months. Villa have lost their last seven PL games and I can’t see past an away win and revenge for the Cherries after their 1-0 defeat at Dean Court.
Michael’s recommendation: Bournemouth to win at 6/5
Crystal Palace vs Norwich
The hosts remain the only team in the top four tiers of English football without a win in their respective division this year but I think they can gain that elusive win in 2016. Norwich have given themselves every chance of beating the drop with back-to-back wins but the Eagles are taken to allay any lingering relegation fears of their own and keep the points.
Michael’s recommendation: Palace to win at 11/10
Southampton vs Newcastle
The Saints played well at the King Power Stadium last weekend and can get back to winning ways against a Newcastle side who have lost their last eight PL games on the road. Graziano Pelle has been involved in Saints’ last five PL goals either scoring (3) or assisting the other pair; he might be the difference.
Michael’s recommendation; Pelle to score at anytime at 5/4
Swansea vs Chelsea
Swansea have never beaten Chelsea in the PL and perhaps they had their chance on the opening day of the season when the pair shared four goals at the Bridge. The last five PL games at the Liberty Stadium has produced just the six goals and I don’t expect a classic at the weekend.
Michael’s recommendation: under 2.5 goals at 8/11
Watford vs Everton
Only Palace have gained fewer points (3) than Watford (8) this year and it is interesting that both sides (and spluttering Everton for that matter) are in the semi-final of the FA Cup. Everton have failed to score in their last two PL games since beating Chelsea in the quarter-final and you have to go back a decade for the last time they failed to find the back of the net in three PL games.
I think Everton might take all three points and inflict a fifth successive PL defeat on the Hornets.
Manchester City vs West Brom
Hard to get away from a home win although City might, inadvertently, have one eye on Tuesday’s CL quarter-final second-leg with PSG. City have beaten the Baggies in their last eight PL games and I would be surprised if City didn’t run out comfortable winners.
Michael’s recommendation: City to lead halftime/fulltime at 9/10
Sunderland vs Leicester City
Leicester have scored just the once in five previous PL visits to Sunderland and who knows one might be enough on Sunday given the Foxes have won their last 4 PL games 1-0; this fantastic defensive record often gets overlooked although I think they will concede against the Black Cats who have themselves drawn their last four; a massive game at both ends of the table and the Foxes for me.
Michael’s recommendation: Leicester to win and both teams to score at 7/2
Liverpool vs Stoke
I am writing this ahead of the Reds game in Dortmund where I shall be for BT Sport; whatever happens in the Europa League I don’t expect to see many fireworks at Anfield on Sunday given the sides have already met three times this season and each one has finished 1-0 to the away side.
Michael’s recommendation: Under 2.5 goals at 37/40
Tottenham vs Manchester United
Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs have yet to score in three games against United and if they draw a blank on Sunday they can wave goodbye to any title aspirations they might have. I have enjoyed watching Spurs this season, however, and take them to beat United for the first time at the Lane since the last day of the 2000/1 season!
Michael’s recommendation: Spurs to win at Evens
Michael’s weekend treble: Crystal Place, Man City and Spurs at 9/2
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