Owen's Premier League predictions including Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal matches
Michael Owen has cast his eye over an intriguing set of fixtures that await in the Premier League, with Chelsea’s trip to West Ham arguably the pick of the bunch this weekend.
Chelsea have enjoyed an outstanding start to the season and sit one point clear of second-placed Manchester City at the top of the table after winning ten, drawing three and losing just one of their opening 14 games.
Thomas Tuchel’s men – the Champions League holders – know they face one of their toughest tests yet in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off away to a Hammers side flying high in fourth place.
However, David Moyes’ Irons are without victory in their last two top-flight matches and head into the London derby as underdogs, despite the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd.
Elsewhere, Ralf Rangnick is preparing to take charge of Manchester United for the first time against Crystal Palace after being unveiled as the club’s interim boss in the week.
The German, nicknamed the ‘Godfather of ‘Gegenpressing’, takes over the reins with United languishing down in seventh, but maximum points at Old Trafford could see the Red Devils rise into the top four.
Aston Villa’s meeting with Leicester is another clash which promises to entertain, with Steven Gerrard’s side looking to return to winning ways after their 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s champions, meanwhile, will look to make it seven wins from seven in all competitions when they take to the field versus lowly Watford, who sit 17th after back-to-back losses.
Former England striker Owen previewed the weekend’s action for BetVictor and delivered his predictions for all ten matches, starting with the leaders’ encounter with London rivals West Ham.
West Ham vs. Chelsea
Michael Owen’s prediction: West Ham 1-2 Chelsea
What a game to start the Premier League weekend! David Moyes must have been gutted to have conceded such a late equaliser to Brighton and West Ham are on a poor run of form at the minute. The good news is that they remain firmly in the top four race, but they need to start picking up more points.
It wasn’t a dominating victory, but Wednesday’s win over Watford was vital for Chelsea. My only concern at the minute for them is the number of goals they are scoring. Lukaku is still working his way back to full fitness, so they need him back fit and firing.
This will be a very even game, but I can see Chelsea narrowly edging it, 2-1.
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Newcastle vs. Burnley
Michael Owen’s prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Burnley
Newcastle showed some spirit in that draw against Norwich. To go down to ten men so early in the game is never easy. Eddie Howe will be disappointed to not claim the win though and this game now becomes massive.
No team in the league has drawn more games than Burnley. It was a good point away to Wolves, but they need to turn some of these performances into wins. They’ve only lost once in the league since September, and that was to Man City, so they are proving hard to beat.
This is a huge one. A defeat for Newcastle here and the pressure is really on them. Given it’s such a big game, I think both teams will be too desperate to not lose, and we could see a draw
Wolves vs. Liverpool
Michael Owen’s prediction: Wolves 0-2 Liverpool
Newcastle showed some spirit in that draw against Norwich. To go down to ten men so early in the game is never easy. Eddie Howe will be disappointed to not claim the win though and this game now becomes massive.
No team in the league has drawn more games than Burnley. It was a good point away to Wolves, but they need to turn some of these performances into wins. They’ve only lost once in the league since September, and that was to Man City, so they are proving hard to beat.
This is a huge one. A defeat for Newcastle here and the pressure is really on them. Given it’s such a big game, I think both teams will be too desperate to not lose, and we could see a draw
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Southampton vs. Brighton
Michael Owen’s prediction: Southampton 1-1 Brighton
It was an entertaining 2-2 draw for Southampton against Leicester and both sides probably felt they could have won it. Southampton always compete well, but they don’t convert enough into wins.
What a finish that was from Neal Maupay against West Ham. I thought Brighton deserved at least a point, but they haven’t won in the league since September.
This has a draw written all over it, 1-1.
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