Ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action former England, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen shares his thoughts on every fixture. The BetVictor Brand Ambassador is predicting a few shocks…
West Ham v Spurs
The Hammers have turned things around in fine style in the past fortnight; beating Huddersfield on home soil last Monday and now unbeaten in their last three after the 3-0 defeat of Bolton in the League Cup. Nevertheless, I remain a big fan of Spurs, especially away from home, and expect them to better a surprisingly poor record at West Ham. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have lost three of their last four at the Hammers but with an in-form Harry Kane leading the line up-front should turn that record around on Saturday.
Burnley v Huddersfield
Sean Dyche will surely be puzzled at Burnley’s inconsistencies this season thus far, with the Clarets avoiding defeat at the likes of Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea but disappointing on home soil to West Brom and Leeds. Despite the Clarets being knocked out of the cup by Leeds midweek , I expect them to ring the changes and beat a Huddersfield side that continue to struggle for goals.
Everton v Bournemouth
After four straight defeats in all competitions Everton needed both a result and a performance midweek so Blues’ boss Ronald Koeman will have been pleased with the 3-0 defeat of Sunderland in the Carabao Cup. There have been 19 goals scored in the previous four Premier League games between the two sides and I expect that trend to continue at the weekend and goals likely at Goodison.
Man City v Crystal Palace
The Citizens were awesome last weekend at Watford, making a good Hornets side looks very average at Vicarage Road, and it’s no surprise to see BetVictor shorten Pep Guardiola’s side to even money for the Premier League title. They should run riot against Palace at the weekend and look a fair price at 3/4 to beat the Eagles to nil at The Etihad.
Southampton v Manchester United
I expect Manchester rivals United to likewise claims all three points at the weekend, with Jose Mourinho’s side unstoppable against Southampton on the south coast. The Red Devils are unbeaten in six Premier League visits to St Mary’s, winning four, and likely to extend that record at Southampton’s expense.
Stoke City v Chelsea
The Britannia is a really tough place to go and I expect Antonio Conte to prepare his Chelsea side for a battle at the weekend. The Blues have been electric away from home under the Italian, winning seven of their last eight Premier League games and with Eden Hazard returning to the starting XI should extend the run accordingly.
Swansea v Watford
As mentioned previously, I’m a big fan of Watford and would put a line through last week’s mauling by Champions-elect Manchester City. The Hornets have been brilliant away from home this season, winning at both Bournemouth and Southampton, and could surprise a Swansea side that remain one of the favourites for the drop.
Leicester v Liverpool
The pick of the weekend’s Premier League games is a repeat of Tuesday’s League Cup tie that saw Leicester win 2-0 at the King Power Stadium. However, BetVictor make the Reds odds-on to reverse the form in Saturday’s evening kick-off. Both are often prone to defensive mistakes and with two excellent attacking line-ups in action I expect fireworks from the two sides on Saturday.
Brighton v Newcastle – Sunday
Both sides were playing Championship football last season and it will be fascinating to see how the two clubs deal with their respective battles for survival at the foot of the Premier League table. Newcastle boast the more obvious chance of staying up but Brighton are respected on home soil and as such I can see both sides cancelling each other out at The Amex.
Arsenal v West Brom – Monday
Arsene Wenger’s side look to have their mojo back after their recent performances against both Chelsea at the Bridge last Sunday followed by the 1-0 defeat of Donny Rovers in the cup midweek. The Gunners now host West Brom at The Emirates bidding to make it five games unbeaten in all competitions and will be very tough to beat. I expect their class to prevail against the Baggies and fancy them to keep a third consecutive clean sheet in the process.
Michael Owen’s Weekend Wager
Michael Owen is a Brand Ambassador for BetVictor. For more tips from Michael read his column here.
MORE : Manchester United star Marcus Rashford speaks out on rivalry with Anthony Martial
MORE : Arsene Wenger admits Manchester City beat Arsenal to Gareth Barry signing
Share this with