Former England, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen shares his thoughts on every Premier League fixture taking place this weekend, starting with the London derby between West Ham and Tottenham on Friday night.
West Ham v Tottenham
Harry Kane and Dele Alli have 38 league goals this season and one more strike from either between now and the end of the season will see them beat the 1994/95 tally of Jurgen Klinsmann (20) and Teddy Sheringham (18). They have both been quite outstanding in a Spurs side who keep getting better and better.
Since the start of the 2015/16 season Spurs have picked up 15 more points than any other side in the Premier League – whilst it looks as if they will have nothing to show for their continued excellence I expect them to take all three points against a Hammers side struggling for goals in recent weeks.
Manchester City v Crystal Palace
Palace have picked up two more points (19) than City over the last ten games but their unexpected home defeat to Burnley last weekend means they are not yet guaranteed to be playing Premier League football next term.
City continue to flatter to deceive and their 2-2 draw at the Riverside last weekend means they cannot afford any slips ups against the Eagles. Palace entertain Hull next weekend and that might be the game that determines whether or not they maintain their elite status for next term. I expect to see City keep all three points with Mamadou Sakho’s long-term absence a huge blow to the Eagles.
Bournemouth v Stoke City
The Cherries have won their last two but I expect the Potters to get a point on the south coast despite the fact that there hasn’t been a draw between the sides in nine games going back to 1999.
Burnley v West Brom
Not a game to get the pulse racing with the Baggies without a goal in their last five league games and the Clarets, seemingly, safe after their terrific win at Selhurst Park last weekend.
Hull City v Sunderland
I have been banging the drum for Hull and in particular, manager Marco Silva and central defender Harry Maguire for some time now and I would be shocked if Sunderland ended Silva’s proud unbeaten home league record, which currently stands at 41.
The Black Cats eventually ran out of Premier League survival lives and I cannot see them living with this rejuvenated Tigers side at the KCOM.
Leicester City v Watford
The hosts have won all four PL games at the King Power under Craig Shakespeare and I can’t see past another home win.
The Hornets have lost nine of their last 11 on the road in the Premier League including the last four in which they have failed to find the back of the net. I thought they were poor against Liverpool earlier in the week and they parted company with Quique Sanchez Flores last season after a season in which they picked up 45 points. They have 40 points this term going into the weekend and still have to go to Everton and Chelsea before they entertain Manchester City on the last day of the season.
Jamie Vardy has scored nine times in his last 13 games for the Foxes and he can continue his excellent recent run of form.
Swansea v Everton
Everton have never lost a Premier League game at the Liberty Stadium but that could be about to change with the Swans fighting for their lives. As good as Chelsea were Everton were disappointing at Goodison on Sunday and they have now failed to score in their last two games.
The Blues are reported to be interested in signing the Swans Gylfi Sigurdsson but in the short term, the Icelander can have a major say in picking up three vital points for the hosts.
Liverpool v Southampton
Liverpool are without a win or a goal in three previous games against the Saints this term including losing both League Cup semi-finals to the only goal of the game.
I thought Adam Lallana looked sharp when he came on for Philippe Coutinho at Vicarage Road on Monday and the England midfielder will be fresher than most against his old club. The noises coming out of Anfield suggest Coutinho is expected to have recovered from his dead leg in time for Sunday’s game and I expect to see the Reds maintain their push for a coveted Champions League spot.
Arsenal v Manchester United
I am writing this en route to Spain and United’s first-leg Europa League semi-final at Celta Vigo which I am covering for BT Sport. The result of that game may affect Jose Mourinho’s team selection but one thing is for certain the United boss will not want to lose their 25 game unbeaten run in the league at the Emirates in what could be the last time Mourinho and Arsene Wenger go head-to-head.
Wenger has never got the better of Mourinho in the Premier League with his only success coming in the 2015 Community Shield. I expect United to grind out a result.
Chelsea v Middlesbrough
Boro haven’t scored a goal let alone pick up a point in their last six Premier League games against Champions-elect Chelsea who were outstanding at Everton last weekend. They are nearly there but Boro won’t go down without a fight. There is a huge gulf in class between the sides, however, and I can’t see past an emphatic Blues win.
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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