All three European competitions provided some of the best TV viewing of the season in midweek, as the semi-finals reached their conclusions and the final lineups were complete. Liverpool, Manchester City, West Ham United and Leicester City were all in action, but now their focus returns to the Premier League.
And all eyes will be on Liverpool and Man City this weekend, as the two continue to go neck-and-neck for the title with just a point separating them. The Reds host top-four chasing Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, before City host Newcastle United on Sunday. Manchester United are also in action, when they travel to Brighton tomorrow.
Former Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle striker Michael Owen has given his verdict ahead of this weekend’s mouth-watering action in another exciting round of fixtures.
Man Utd finally returned to winning ways against Brentford on Monday in what was their final home game of the season, as well as Ralf Rangnick's as the club's interim manager. Their final two games of the campaign begin with a tricky trip to Brighton on Saturday, who have found form of late to reignite their push for a top half finish.
And because of that, Owen predicts that the Seagulls will take advantage of United's inconsistency and pick up all three points. He told BetVictor : "Brighton’s form in April was superb. With wins away against Arsenal, Spurs and Wolves, they’ve shown themselves to be one of the best away sides in the league.
"I never know what Man United we are going to see, but I thought they played well on Monday against Brentford. Ronaldo is ending the season in great form, scoring in his last three. I won’t be surprised if he scores in this one as well, but I fancy Brighton to get the win. 2-1!"
Do you agree with Michael Owen's predictions this weekend? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Liverpool will be full of confidence ahead of Saturday’s clash with Tottenham after they booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final in midweek, and a win here would take them to the top of the Premier League. Spurs are chasing a top four finish and won’t be easy to overcome, but Owen backs the Reds to secure another victory.
He said : “I’m running out of superlatives for this Liverpool side, the wins just keep coming. It wasn’t an emphatic performance, but the win last week at Newcastle was huge. That comeback win in Spain on Tuesday is bound to mean they enter this in great spirit. Luis Diaz changed the game against Villarreal, and I’d expect to see him from the start here.
“This one is huge for Spurs. Considering Arsenal ’s recent form, I don’t think Spurs can afford to lose this game. Son has been in brilliant form, and he’s in the running for the golden boot. However, I can’t not pick Liverpool. No side in Europe is in better form than them and they just don’t look like losing, particularly at Anfield. 3-1.”
Man City were unable to join Liverpool in the Champions League final after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday, and now have just the top flight title to play for. They face Newcastle on Sunday, who have been a different animal in the second half of the season, but that City will hope to pull off the victory in order to remain at the top of the table.
Elsewhere, Arsenal could extend their lead in the top four to five points on Sunday with a victory over Leeds United, but only if Spurs lose to Liverpool on Saturday. Leeds are desperately battling relegation and won’t roll over easily, but Arsenal are in good form having won their last three, and the pressure is on them to keep winning.
Also fighting for survival at the bottom of the table are Burnley, who host Aston Villa on Saturday in a game that will be yet another big test for the Clarets, and Everton, who travel to Leicester on Sunday and will fancy their chances against the Foxes, who suffered European heartbreak in midweek.
Owen’s Premier League predictions
Brentford 2-1 Southampton
Burnley 1-1 Aston Villa
Brighton 2-1 Man Utd
Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham
Arsenal 2-0 Leeds
Leicester 0-1 Everton
Norwich 0-2 West Ham
Man City 2-0 Newcastle
