EPL: Michael Owen predicts results of Chelsea vs Leicester City, Cardiff vs Man United, others
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker, Michael Owen has tipped Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea to defeat Leicester City when both teams clash in the Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
He also predicted Manchester United to beat Cardiff City in Saturday’s Premier League fixture.
According to him, Arsenal will defeat Burnley on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League fixture.
Owen, however, backed Liverpool to defeat Wolves on Friday night in the Premier League fixture at Molineux.
“Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 12 home Premier League games and I don’t expect Claude Puel’s side to succeed where champions Manchester City failed in the last league game at the Bridge,” Owen told BetVictor.
“Leicester have lost back-to-back in the Premier League and are without a win in their last 10 league trips to the capital. The Blues are taken to keep the points in what promises to be an entertaining game.”
Commenting on the Cardiff vs Man United game, Owen said: “Former United striker, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer begins life as United caretaker manager at Cardiff, the club who sacked him back in 2014 having failed to keep the Bluebirds in the Premier League before a moderate start to their Championship campaign.
“That said Solskjaer has an excellent reputation in Norway where his Molde side finished runner up to Rosenborg this season.
“I would like to wish him all the very best for this exciting new opportunity and challenge and fully expect his United side to play with more pace and flair than has been the case in recent times. His team selection for the game at Cardiff will be significant and very interesting!
“United have lost their last three away games at newly promoted clubs – which speaks volumes in itself – but I expect them to make a winning start to life without Jose Mourinho.”
On the Arsenal vs Burnley match, Owen said: “Arsenal lost their long unbeaten record at St Mary’s on Sunday and it seems almost inconceivable that such a good side have still not led a league game at halftime this season.
“The visit of Burnley gives Unai Emery’s side a gilt-edged opportunity to buck that trend although the Clarets were, arguably, unlucky not to pick up a point in north London against Spurs last weekend when they went down to a solitary late Christian Eriksen goal.
“Sean Dyche has lost all seven previous games against Arsenal, however, and I can’t see past a home win.”
Commenting on the Wolves vs Liverpool game, Owen said: “Each of the last four sides who have led the Premier League on Christmas Day have gone on to win the title and Liverpool are guaranteed top spot if they win at Molineux on Friday evening.
“That said, the last side to fail to win the league having been top at Christmas, were the Reds back in the 2013-14 season. Jurgen Klopp’s side were irresistible on occasions against Manchester United on Sunday and are unbeaten in their last 18 league games.
“The Reds won’t have things all their own way against Wolves, however, given the hosts have won their last three league games and have already taken a point off champions Manchester City, and all three against title-challengers Chelsea, at Molineux already this season.”
