Michael Owen: Premier League Matchday 33 Preview

In their last four matches at the Emirates, Arsenal have drawn two and lost two. It’s been that kind of season for the Gunners as they continue to struggle to find any consistency.

That said, they have an impressive record on their own patch against Everton. Undefeated in this fixture on home soil since 1996, this has the look of a winnable match against their Merseyside rivals.

On top of that, Everton arrive here in rather indifferent form. The Toffees are without a win in six and although it could be argued they were worth more than a point last week against Spurs, their defensive display really let them down.

With neither side at their best in recent weeks, I believe this will be tight, however, Everton look really shaky at the back just now, so I’m going for a home win.

Despite an early exit from the UEFA Champions League, Liverpool have picked up in recent weeks.

They will have been disappointed to have only taken a point against Leeds in their last match, however, overall, the Reds’ performances have been a lot better than they were at the start of the year.

Newcastle have done well to get themselves in a good position at the bottom end of the table, losing only once in their last seven matches. That’s good form in anyone’s book although I do feel, at Anfield, the Geordies may come up just short against Liverpool side that are chasing a top four finish.

Fans of West Ham and Chelsea both scan the fixture list at the start of the season for this one, and on this occasion, given the position of both in the table, it’s all set up to be a vintage rendition of the London Derby.

For the Hammers, Champions League football is a real possibility and the prospect of beating one of their fiercest rivals as they both go for qualification will be salivating for Hammers’ fans.

That said, this Chelsea side are proving to be a hard nut to crack for any side that crosses their path.

The Blues’ 1-0 victory against Manchester City epitomised their defensive solidity, and if they can maintain that level of performance, I think they could be one of few teams to leave the London Stadium with maximum points this season.

With Sheffield United’s season all but over, this match must present itself as an opportunity for Brighton to gain maximum points.

The Seagulls points tally isn’t a true reflection of their performances this season, as they have put in plenty of decent performances, only to come away with nothing.

With the addition of a striker over the summer, they could do a lot better next term.

What’s more, they’ve kept eight clean sheets in 2021. Only Chelsea and Manchester City (both 10) have kept more in the Premier League this year.

So, all in all, the Seagulls should have enough here. It’s 2-0 to the visitors for me.

Despite playing well at Old Trafford, Burnley left empty handed in last week’s match against Manchester United. That was the Clarets third defeat in a row, and just one place above the bottom three, it means they must start getting points on the board to avoid a nervy end to the season.

Wolves come into this after back-to-back wins. There’s no doubt that the Molineux faithful would’ve expected more this season, however, losing Raul Jimenez at such an early stage was a huge blow.

I think this could be tight, and with both sides struggles in front of goal, it would be no surprise to me if this ended all square.

This is the fixture every Leeds fan will have been looking forward to all season long. A home fixture against rivals Manchester United and all that comes with it is always a highlight in the calendar.

Leeds come into this after two terrific results, beating Manchester City away and drawing at home to Liverpool last week. They’ll fancy their chances here, however, they’re up against arguably the best side in the league when it comes to counter-attacking football.

The Red Devils have mastered the art of winning away from home, and if Leeds have a go here, I think United will pick them off. It’s 2-1 to Manchester United for me.

On a weekend where we’re treated to a few derbies, the West Midlands derby is another that could go either way. West Brom are in their best spell of the season so far, although they’ve probably left it too late to escape relegation.

Villa have been excellent at times this season, playing their best stuff on the counter-attack. I could see the Villans set up to allow the Baggies some territory, something you don’t always get away from home.

This could mean we’re in for a game of cat and mouse, however, I do believe that Villa have the quality to nick one. I’m going for a home win. It’s 1-0 Villa for me.

Through to the FA Cup final, it’s turning out to be a decent season for Leicester.  The good news for Foxes fans is that it could be about to get much better if they are to qualify for the Champions League. It’s within touching distance, however, they’ll want to avoid anymore slip-ups between now and the end of the season.

For Palace, they’re safe, so it’s fair to say it’s job done as far as Roy Hodgson is concerned.

In contrast, Leicester have everything to play for, and with the wind in their sails after last weekend’s triumph, I think they’ll have more than enough to take the spoils here.