Michael Owen: Premier League Matchday 16 Preview

Leicester travel to Crystal Palace looking to continue their impressive record on the road. Crystal Palace must be happy with their start to their Premier League campaign; however, they’ll have to be wary of a Leicester side that are electric on the counter-attack.

The Foxes showed how effective they are on the break when defeating Spurs 2-0, and if they play anywhere near that level here, I think they’ll take the points.

Frank Lampard will be looking to get 3 points on the board to keep his side’s outside chance of Premier League glory alive.

The Blues have been suspect at the back on occasion and will have to be wary of an Aston Villa side that if given the chance, can do some damage on the counter-attack.

I think this could be an open match. Villa certainly have the tools to unlock most defences, however, I reckon Chelsea will have just too much going forward and I fancy them to take all 3 points.

Everton’s recent upturn in form has given Toffees fans renewed hope that they could land one of the European places come the end of the season.

There’s a new solidity about Manchester City. They are putting together an excellent run and are keeping goals out at the other end. However, I do feel that Everton have enough to get on the score sheet here.

That said, City’s firepower is there for everyone to see, and the return of Sergio Aguero could spell trouble for the home side.

Both these sides could do with a win. We all know about Arsenal’s troubles, but Brighton aren’t doing much better. The Seagulls have slid down the league table and despite looking good at times, there have been too many slip ups.

Despite both teams being out of form, I think both managers will fancy winning this. That said, it’s hard to make a case for either side and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it ended all square.

With Burnley’s squad now nearing full strength, it’s no surprise to see the Clarets starting to pick up points. They take on a Sheffield United side that have been unlucky on occasion this season, although their points tally wouldn’t tell you that.

On home soil, Burnley are a difficult side to play against. These are the types of matches that Sean Dyche will be targeting to get maximum points, and up against a side that are so out of form, I think they’ll do just that.

I’m expecting a good game of football here. Both sides have played good stuff this year, especially Southampton. I’m a big fan of Ralph Hasenhüttl and if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that he’ll have his side well organised ahead of this.

I think this one could be tight. Although I’ve been impressed with West Ham, I think the Saints have been one of the revelations of the season so far and I fancy them to just edge it in an entertaining match.

To say it’s an uphill task to keep West Brom in the Premier League is probably an understatement for new Baggies boss Sam Allardyce.

His side must start getting results if they are to maintain any hope of Premier League survival, however, the visit of Leeds to the Hawthorns brings with it another huge task.

Being at home, the impetus will be on the hosts to take the game to Leeds, and if that happens, I think the visitors will be patient and jump on any loose balls. United are far from perfect at the back, but if they play as they can going forward, I think they’ll take the points back to Elland Road.

Manchester United are brimming with confidence. Their patchy home form was given a massive boost in their demolition of Leeds just over a week ago. They take on a Wolves side who despite looking good going forward, are struggling in front of goal.

I think Wolves could sit in and play for a point, but if they do, United may just have enough to break them down.

Despite a slight upturn in fortunes, Fulham go into this as huge outsiders. They may set up to frustrate Spurs here, but with Son and Kane going forward, the home side should have enough to take the points.

Jose Mourinho’s men have been professional all season, and I think they’ll set out to break the deadlock early. If that materialises, I could see them running out comfortable winners.

Newcastle are enduring a poor run of form. They exited the EFL Cup to Championship side Brentford midweek and now have the huge task of welcoming Liverpool to St James’ Park.

The visitors have hit form just at the right time of year, and with Jurgen Klopp’s side clearly loving their football, I can see them picking up another vital 3 points on the road.