Michael Owen has delivered his predictions for this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, backing Liverpool to safe a vital victory over title rivals Manchester Metropolis and Chelsea to return to successful methods in opposition to Southampton.
Liverpool and Man Metropolis – separated by only one level after 30 league video games – go head-to-head on the Etihad on Sunday in a fixture that's anticipated to go a protracted method to deciding the result of the title race.
Elsewhere, relegation-threatened Everton can be determined to choose up some factors in opposition to Ralf Rangnick’s inconsistent Manchester United and Arsenal will look to spice up their top-four hopes in opposition to Brighton.
Chelsea, on the again of two successive defeats, are additionally in motion in opposition to Southampton, whereas Watford might improve their survival possibilities as they welcome Leeds United to Vicarage Street.
On Manchester Metropolis’s conflict with Liverpool – which Owen sees because the ‘largest sport of the season’ – the previous England striker instructed BetVictor: ‘I can’t look ahead to this one.
‘I assumed Metropolis performed effectively in opposition to Atletico in midweek, it’s clearly by no means simple or significantly pleasant taking part in in opposition to Diego Simeone’s facet.
‘Nonetheless, I believe Man Metropolis aren’t fairly firing on all cylinders within the remaining third, they haven’t been as prolific of late.
‘It was a superb sport in Lisbon in opposition to Benfica and Liverpool most likely deserved that 3-1 win. It was most likely a super heat up sport for Liverpool, Benfica tried to take the sport to them.
‘I’ve been saying it since he signed, Luis Diaz belongs on this facet. He’s given this facet much more menace and I wouldn’t be shocked in any respect if he performed a giant half on this one.
‘This sport might go both manner, however I’m going for Liverpool. I believe they’re going into this with a bit extra momentum than Metropolis and so they have just a little bit extra attacking spark and menace. 2-1 to Liverpool.’
Everton v Manchester United
‘Wednesday’s defeat to Burnley was a catastrophe. The strain and temper across the membership can’t be good in any respect proper now, Frank Lampard has an enormous job on his palms.
‘I’ve mentioned all of it alongside, Goodison Park will decide Everton’s future this season. They’ll want each level they'll get at house.
‘It says all of it that Manchester United’s draw in opposition to Leicester final week wasn’t even shocking. Their kind has simply been so inconsistent, and it appears like this season is simply drifting away.
‘The dearth of targets within the facet is a fear. With all of the attacking high quality they've, they shouldn’t be struggling to place it within the internet.
‘I believe the followers will actually be up for this, they understand how a lot hassle this facet is in. Goodison could be such a tough place for away groups when the followers are like that.’
Arsenal v Brighton
‘It might not appear it, however this sport is very large for Arsenal’s season. That defeat to Crystal Palace was a shock, however they had been well-beaten.
‘They seemed accountable for fourth place, so it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how they reply right here.
‘As for Brighton, they seem like a facet with nothing to play for. They’ve been nearly secure for weeks and their kind has actually taken successful. They should begin scoring extra targets.
‘Given Brighton’s struggles in entrance of objective lately, this ought to be easy for Arsenal.’
Southampton v Chelsea
‘It’s been a tough few weeks for Southampton however they obtained some extent at Elland Street, because of their talisman, James Ward-Prowse.
‘Everyone knows how good a set piece-taker he's, however the consistency at which he's scoring from them is unbelievable.
‘Thomas Tuchel was removed from proud of the efficiency in opposition to Actual Madrid. After that defeat to Brentford final week, there’s some strain on this facet now. I believe we’ll see a response from Chelsea right here although.
‘I don’t assume a lot will cut up these two, however I believe Chelsea will edge it.’
Watford v Leeds United
‘Watford had been strong at Anfield and competed effectively for giant components of the sport. They didn’t have a lot of the ball, however there was a good form to the facet and had been onerous to beat.
‘Roy Hodgson has undoubtedly improved them defensively, however for them to have any likelihood, they should put just a few extra away on the different finish.
‘As for Leeds, it’s been a superb few weeks for Jesse Marsch. It might have solely been a draw in opposition to Southampton, it might have been extra, however it was a good level, nonetheless. Leeds aren’t far off security now.
‘I can see one other draw right here. I don’t assume this can have a great deal of targets.’
Aston Villa v Tottenham
‘Aston Villa want a giant efficiency. Their latest kind has been too inconsistent for Steven Gerrard’s liking, significantly with the standard of gamers he’s obtained at his disposal.
‘That first half in opposition to Wolves final week wasn’t ok, I’d anticipate a response right here.
‘I actually like what I’m seeing from Spurs going ahead. I don’t assume anybody anticipated this when Antonio Conte took over, however they give the impression of being an actual menace.
‘Even on the again, there’s been some enhancements. Romero has caught my eye; I believe Conte will mould him right into a prime defender.
‘That being mentioned, I nonetheless fancy Villa. They want a giant efficiency and I believe they’ll get it.’
Brentford v West Ham
‘Brentford’s 4-1 win over Chelsea final week should certainly be one of many outcomes of the season. They didn’t have a lot of the ball, however they had been so medical within the remaining third.
‘An enormous a part of that, is clearly Christian Eriksen. He’s given this facet extra high quality and composure.
‘After Arsenal’s slip-up in opposition to Palace on Monday, West Ham nonetheless have a glimmer of hope of ending within the prime 4. It’s nonetheless unlikely, however David Moyes can be concentrating on successful each sport and seeing the place that takes them.
‘For that cause, I’m going for West Ham. I believe this can be a very even sport, however West Ham will scrape it.’
Leicester Metropolis v Crystal Palace
‘Leicester performed effectively at Outdated Trafford final week, and possibly might have received it. It’s simple to overlook how good this facet could be, it’s simply not fairly occurred for them this season. They’ve nonetheless obtained a great deal of high quality on this group.
‘Issues hold getting higher for Patrick Vieira and Crystal Palace. He will need to have been delighted with the efficiency in opposition to Arsenal.
‘I believe he’s executed an excellent job and this facet appears to be like remodeled from the one which performed final season. There’s youth, aptitude and tempo all throughout this facet. I can’t see a winner on this sport.’
Norwich Metropolis v Burnley
‘This one is large for each. For Norwich, issues look bleak. They’ve simply not scored sufficient targets all season.
‘Pukki is a dependable finisher, however they don’t create wherever close to sufficient possibilities. I can’t fault the trouble of this facet for essentially the most half, however they lack simply that little little bit of high quality.
‘What an enormous consequence that was for Burnley in opposition to Everton. Sean Dyche mentioned earlier than the sport that it wasn’t a season-defining sport, I disagree!
‘Burnley wanted to win that sport and to win with a late winner will give this facet a lot perception shifting ahead.
‘That’s why I’m going for Burnley right here. I believe this facet nonetheless believes that they will keep up, and so they know they want the win right here.’
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