BetVictor Brand Ambassador Michael Owen is back to preview the week’s Premier League fixtures, as title favourites Manchester City travel to Champions Chelsea for a blockbuster game at the top of the Premier League table.
Huddersfield v Spurs
After tipping-up Harry Kane to open the scoring last weekend the Spurs striker has subsequently scored 5 goals in 2 games and remains in sensational form in front of goal. BetVictor make him the 3/1 second favourite to be the league’s leading goal scorer for a third consecutive season however, I remain adamant that, with a clean bill of health, Man City’s Sergio Aguero is the most likely winner and he looks over-priced at 7/2 accordingly.
Interestingly enough, Kane’s only previous career appearance at the John Smith’s Stadium came in February 2011 when he was on loan at Leyton Orient – Kane was substituted on, scored and was then sent off, which remains his only red card in all competitions! He is a different player these days, however, and with him firing on all cylinders Spurs should claim all three points in West Yorkshire.
Michael’s recommendation: Huddersfield 0-3 Tottenham
Bournemouth v Leicester
From two sides who have made terrific starts defensively, to two that have only a solitary clean sheet in their opening six Premier League games thus far. The Cherries are unbeaten in their four previous top-flight meetings with Leicester but neither side looks strong at the back and I expect both teams to score at Dean Court.
Michael’s prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Leicester City
Manchester United v Crystal Palace
It doesn’t get any easier for Crystal Palace, who remain bottom of the Premier League table after six successive defeats this term. Palace are 20/1 with BetVictor to cause an upset at Old Trafford but I can’t see anything bar a comfortable home win but Roy Hodgson needs points, and fast, to get the club out of trouble.
Michael’s prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Crystal Palace
West Brom v Watford
Watford continue to be the most under-rated team in the division and, after flagging-up the 7/2 with BetVictor to finish in the top-half, it’s nice to see BetVictor cut them to 13/8 after last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Swansea. I think Hornets’ manager Marco Silva is absolutely top-class and expect him to be at one of Europe’s top clubs before long; he can guide Watford to a result at the Hawthorns.
Michael’s prediction: West Brom 1-2 Watford
West Ham v Swansea
Swansea need to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat at The Liberty Stadium, with Paul Clement’s side looking increasingly likely to be involved in the relegation shake-up at the end of the season. West Ham showed tremendous spirit to almost come back and nick a point against Spurs last weekend.
Andy Carroll was more than a handful against Spurs last weekend and should cause Swansea plenty of problems in the capital. Carroll has been involved in eight goals in six Premier League games against Swansea for the Hammers, scoring five goals and assisting three.
Michael’s prediction: West Ham 2-0 Swansea
Stoke City v Southampton
Neither side has been consistent this term and with that in mind, it could prove a difficult 90 minutes for both teams in the Potteries. Stoke are winless in their last five games in all competitions but are likely to be tough to break down and will have some terrific support behind them. The Saints have failed to score in 10 of their last 14 Premier League games and, after failing to score in either fixture with Stoke last season, Mauricio Pellegrini’s side could be in for a frustrating afternoon at the Britannia.
Michael’s prediction: Stoke City 1-0 Southampton
Chelsea v Man City
What a game in store as Champions-elect Manchester City travel to Stamford Bridge to face Champions Chelsea in a huge game at the top of the Premier League. City have been flawless at times this season, netting 29 goals in their opening 9 games in all competitions, last month’s 1-1 draw with Everton the sole blip on an otherwise perfect start to the campaign.
Nevertheless, Chelsea shouldn’t be underestimated on home soil and look too big at 15/8 with BetVictor. Antonio Conte did a tremendous job with the Blues last season, leading the club to the Title in his maiden season in English football. This will undoubtedly serve as Pep Guardiola’s stiffest task this season thus far and I’m not convinced they should be as short as 7/5 to leave West London with all three points.
Michael’s prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City
Arsenal v Brighton
Brighton were fortunate to beat Newcastle at the weekend and I expect Chris Hughton’s side to be outclassed at The Emirates. The Gunners have a terrific record in home fixtures against lesser sides in the top-flight, beating West Brom 2-0 in North London on Monday, and should likewise complete another comfortable home win at the weekend.
Michael’s prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Everton v Burnley
Burnley remain an enigma this season, being able to avoid defeat in their three away games at Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool but unable to beat the trio of West Brom, Leeds or Huddersfield in their last three games at Turf Moor. Blues manager Ronald Koeman has some much-needed breathing space after back-to-back victories over Sunderland and Bournemouth and are odds-on with BetVictor to complete the hat-trick at the Clarets’ expense.
Michael’s prediction: Everton 1-0 Burnley
Newcastle v Liverpool
I have fond memories of St James’ Park and scored a hat-trick for Liverpool in the corresponding fixtures back in 1998. The Reds saved bookmakers a fortune midweek but I expect Liverpool to bounce back when travelling to Newcastle on Sunday.
Michael’s prediction: Newcastle 1-3 Liverpool
Michael Owen's Weekend Wager
Michael Owen is a Brand Ambassador for BetVictor. For more tips from Michael read his column here.
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