Premier Predictions: Michael Owen’s weekend tips

BetVictor Brand Ambassador Michael Owen will be in attendance, and the former England striker shares his thoughts on the weekend games.

Chelsea v Liverpool

Both sides are struggling for goals and I can see a tight, close encounter with few chances.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six PL games with the Reds who themselves have now gone five games without defeat in the PL.

It could easily be a low-scoring draw but I will play safe and suggest there will be few goals in this fascinating opener to the PL weekend.

Michael’s recommendation: Under 2.5 goals at 17/20.

Crystal Palace v Manchester United

Palace have never won a PL game against United losing ten and drawing just two of the dozen games they have played, and the Eagles have only managed one goal in open play in their last six PL games.

That said I fancy Palace to get something out of the game against a United side who themselves have failed to find the back of the net in their last two competitive games and created very little against City at Old Trafford last weekend.

Michael’s recommendation: Double Chance: Palace and the Draw at 8/11.

Manchester City v Norwich

The title favourites cannot be opposed against a Norwich side who are the only side yet to keep a clean sheet in the division this term.

The Canaries have lost their last three in the PL and they will do well to keep City at arm’s length even allowing for the continued absence of Sergio Aguero and

David Silva.

Michael’s recommendation: City to lead halftime/fulltime at 4/5.

Newcastle v Stoke City

Newcastle could, and probably should, have been out of sight against Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby before the controversial penalty and red card incident just before half-time which changed the course of the game.

Magpies’ fans must still be wondering just how they lost that game 3-0 but lose they did and they need to get something out of the visit of Stoke.

There have been 22 goals in Newcastle’s last four PL games and I expect to see more of the same at St James’s Park.

Michael’s recommendation: Both Teams To Score at 4/5.

Swansea v Arsenal

The Swans did the double over Arsenal last term and returned to winning ways, after a recent dip in form, at Villa Park last weekend.

The Gunners are getting short of attacking options with Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joining Danny Welbeck, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere on the side-lines after their Capital One Cup loss midweek.

Olivier Giroud has had his critics this season but his goals per minute ratio (88.8 mins) is actually the best in the PL this term and he might be the difference.

Michael’s recommendation: Giroud to score anytime during the 90 minutes at 21/20.

Watford v West Ham

The Irons have picked up more points on their travels than any other side in the PL this season, are unbeaten in their last eleven visits to Watford and yet are the 2/1 outsiders for the trip to Vicarage Road.

The Hornets picked up a valuable three points at Stoke last weekend but I just favour the Hammers although I might take the insurance of draw no bet.

Michael’s recommendation: West Ham Draw No Bet at 11/10.

WBA v Leicester City

Good luck to Jamie Vardy as he bids to become only the third player to score in eight successive PL games; his is a wonderful story and should inspire other players from down the leagues.

Will he do it? I certainly hope so and he is 15/8 to find the back of the net at anytime at the Hawthorns and join Ruud van Nistelrooy and Daniel Sturridge in the eight-on-the-spin club.

The Baggies have, however, kept five clean-sheets in their last seven PL games and I think this is too close to call with a draw the recommendation.

Michael’s recommendation: Game to finish in a draw at 12/5.

Everton v Sunderland

The Black Cats were flattered by the scoreline against Newcastle last weekend but will their luck run out at Everton?

Sunderland have won their last two at Goodison and Sam Allardyce will be looking for more of the same, but the Blues are taken to bounce back from successive PL defeats albeit against title challengers United and Arsenal.

Michael’s recommendation: Everton to win to nil at 6/4.

Southampton v Bournemouth

This will be the first time the sides have met in the top-flight of English football and I can’t see past a home win in this south coast encounter.

Sadio Mane missed the Capital One Cup win midweek, following his red card at Anfield, but he will be back in the Saints starting XI against the Cherries who are having their limitations, seemingly, exposed at present.

Michael’s recommendation: Saints -1.25 Asian Handicap at 2.3.

Spurs v Villa

Former Gunner Remi Garde remains the odds on 4/5 favourite to be the next Villa boss but negotiations appear to be dragging on somewhat and the Club could do with making an appointment sooner rather than later.

Spurs are unbeaten since the opening game of the PL season and Harry Kane is beginning to recapture his best form; I suggest we follow the inform striker.

Michael’s recommendation: Kane first goalscorer 29/10.

Michael’s weekend wager: Southampton, Spurs and Everton at 12/5.