Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has predicted that the newly crowned Premier League champions will suffer defeat against Manchester City as they visit the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has already confirmed that Liverpool will get a guard of honour, as a mark of respect for a newly crowned champion, and he will be hoping to take all three points as he wants to cement the club’s place in second.
In his usual weekly predictions, Owen said Liverpool might struggle against their host’s, saying it is a difficult call. In his Bet Victor column, the former Real Madrid striker thinks the chase for the second spot will give City the edge to deliver a message that they will be right there alongside them again next season.
Brighton Vs. Manchester United
Tonight, Manchester United will continue their push for a Champions League place as they travel to Brighton. The host is gradually separating themselves from the relegation fight after getting four points from six. Brighton is currently five points above the clubs in the red zone.
Manchester United’s united 3-0 win over struggling Sheffield United at the Old Trafford will give the visitors the confidence and impetus to go for all-important points at the Amex Stadium, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues building a team that looked capable of competing for all the top honours again.
On the partnership of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, which is still in the early stages, the former Newcastle striker said this could be the difference between the two sides, and fancied a comfortable 2-0 win for Man United over Brighton.
West Ham Vs. Chelsea
With Wolves playing ahead of others due to FA Cup engagement, Nuno Espirito’s men defeated Aston Villa 1-0 at the Villa Park on Saturday, and the club has moved within two points off fourth-placed Chelsea. Owen, however, expects the Blues to win the London derby against West Ham and open the gap again. The Hammers had won the corresponding fixture at the Stamford Bridge courtesy of Aaron Cresswell’s goal.
Owen expects Chelsea to this time around burst West Ham’s bubbles and secures maximum points in the London Stadium, predicting a 2-1 win.
Arsenal Vs. Norwich
Although the corresponding fixture ended 2-2 at Carrow Road while Freddie Ljungberg was the acting coach before Mikel Arteta’s arrival, Owen is predicting a routine win for Arsenal against Norwich City that is languishing in the bottom of the table.
He also predicted a draw in Bournemouth vs. Newcastle, and Everton vs. Leicester, while tipping Sheffield United to defeat Tottenham Hotspurs at Bramall Lane.
