Michael Owen: Premier League & FA Cup Preview

Fulham’s gallant battle at the bottom of the Premier League goes on as they continue to scrap for survival. They host a Leeds side that have been very inconsistent in recent weeks and are looking a bit low on confidence at the minute.

The momentum seems to be with Fulham, and I think they’ll have enough to get another crucial three points on home soil.

Newcastle travel to the South coast in search of a valuable victory as they continue their fight against the drop. The Geordies managed to rescue a point at Villa Park in their last outing, and given their poor form away from home, that would’ve done their confidence no harm at all.

After a priceless win against Southampton, there is now a bit of daylight between Brighton and the relegation zone. However, the Seagulls cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

I think this could be tight, but with Newcastle’s form on the road is so poor I’m leaning towards the home side to take the points.

Premier League high-flyers West Ham were unlucky to leave Old Trafford empty handed last week. Although, when all is said and done, the defeat will be looked upon as a small blot on what otherwise has been an excellent season.

Despite losing on the night, Arsenal arrive here after falling to a 1-0 defeat at home to Olympiacos. That will have frustrated Gunners fans and although there is no real harm done, losing is never great for confidence.

Tottenham looked shell-shocked after their defeat to Dynamo Kiev on Thursday. Spurs hit a decent run of form recently, so it will be really frustrating for their fans to see them go so off the boil.

Villa are a decent side. We all know how good they can be. However, they blow hot and cold a bit too often and for that reason I think Jose Mourinho will get a reaction and a win at Villa Park.

Southampton travel to Bournemouth after a disappointing defeat against lowly Brighton last week. The Saints’ have struggled for form since the turn of the year; however, the FA Cup may be the change in scenery they need to have a change in fortune.

That said, there’s no doubt that Bournemouth pose a huge threat.
The Championship side have been going well under Jonathan Woodgate having won three of their last five, breathing life into their promotion push. I can see this being tight and think both sides will play out a draw in 90 minutes.

Champions elect, Manchester City are still going on all fronts as an unprecedented clean-sweep of trophies stands before them.

First, however, they must get past an Everton side that have enjoyed a progressive season. That said, the Toffees’ have really struggled at home recently and I just can’t see past City getting through here.

Through to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, it’s turning into an unbelievable opening spell for Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea. On paper, the Blues have been handed a favourable FA Cup tie here, so they must be optimistic of making progress.

For Sheffield United, their dreams of Premier League survival faded long ago, and now in cup competition mode, I think it might be hard for them to raise their game. With that in mind, I’m siding with Tuchel’s men to progress.

Manchester United have been imperious away from home this season and their amazing streak continued when they defeated Manchester City at the Etihad a couple of weeks ago.

They repeated the trick midweek at the San Siro, so there’s no doubt confidence will be high in the Red Devils camp.

Leicester are a good side. However, other than last weeks 5-0 win against doomed Sheffield United, they’ve been too in and out for me lately.

With that in mind, I think Manchester United be heading into the semi final draw.