Michael Owen’s Midweek Football Predictions

The pressure is on Bayern here. They’ve not been at their best in recent weeks and certainly didn’t play well in Salzburg. Salzburg are an underrated side, but Bayern are obviously one of the favourites to win the competition, a defeat here would be a disaster. I think they’ll win 2-0.

I wouldn’t say that Liverpool played at their best in Milan, but they did what good sides do, and found a way to win.  Inter had a few chances in that game, and they’ll cause a few problems at Anfield. I don’t think this will be emphatic, Inter are too good a side for that, but I think Liverpool will win this 2-1.

City were brilliant in Lisbon and already have one foot in the next round.  I don’t think we will see quite as many goals here, it will be difficult to replicate that performance. Pep may even rest a few players, but City will still cruise this. 3-0.

I can’t wait for this one.  The first leg may not have had many goals, but some of the quality on show was superb. Mbappe took his goal brilliantly, but I’m expecting a Real response here. They’ve historically been so good at home on these big Champions League nights, and I think they’ll win. This looks like a tie that could go all the way, so I’m going for 2-1 Real Madrid, and this tie to go to extra-time!

This should be good, both sides have been in great form over the last couple of months. Southampton’s 4-0 defeat to Villa was a real shock to the system, but they’ve been brilliant at home this season. Newcastle are unbeaten in the league in 2022, and I can’t see them losing here. These two drew at St James’ earlier this season and I’m going for a 1-1 draw here.

I didn’t see that Wolves defeat to Palace coming. They conceded a couple of soft, preventable goals, very unlike them. Watford had a bit of threat against Arsenal, but they had some issues at the back. I’d expect a response from Wolves here. Defensively they’ve been superb all season, and I think they’ll keep a clean sheet. 2-0.

Leeds played well against Leicester and had plenty of chances. Jesse Marsch must have been happy with what he saw, but they’ve got to take their chances. The pressure is really on Leeds, they need to pick up points soon.

I thought some of Villa’s football against Southampton was brilliant and Coutinho was the star man. He was so dangerous throughout, and Villa could have scored more than the four they did. I expect to see goals at Elland Road, but I think Villa will win it 2-1.