Michael Owen: Premier League Matchday 21 Preview

Everton come into this having been unlucky to come away with just a point against Leicester on Wednesday night. Overall, however, I think Carlo Ancelotti would have taken a draw prior to the match, so there’s plenty to be positive about.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Newcastle United. The Magpies seem to be in freefall and are without a win in 9 Premier League matches.

Everton aren’t scoring many goals just now, however, I believe they will have enough to win here and make it an unwanted 10^th league match without a win for Newcastle.

Despite getting off to a flying start against West Ham, Palace lost the game 3-2. They’re in the middle of a poor run and welcome a Wolves side that have won on the last 3 occasions the sides have met.

That said, Wolves are in a poor run of their own. They are without a win in 7 Premier League matches, so with both sides far from their best, I think this will end all square.

Like most of us, I didn’t expect Sheffield United to go to Old Trafford and win. The Blades were really suffering from a lack of confidence at the start of the season; however, we’re starting to see glimpses of the side that did so well last year.

Have they left it too late to get out of trouble? I think they may have done, but it’ll be very interesting to follow Chris Wilder’s side from here on in.

After a win at Old Trafford, there would usually be hope of carrying that form into the next game. Unfortunately for the Blades, it’s Manchester City up next.

Title contenders City are really gathering momentum. They are swiping aside anyone that crosses their path and with such a hectic playing schedule, Pep’s rotation system is now paying dividends.

City are playing some sumptuous stuff, and I just can’t see Sheffield United making it back-to-back wins in Manchester.

We have an old fashioned ‘six-pointer’ here as Fulham travel to the Hawthorns. Despite a slight upturn in results, Fulham aren’t winning enough games, although this fixture does present them with an opportunity to remedy that.

Under Sam Allardyce, the Baggies form on their own patch has been nothing short of dismal. It’s a bad habit to fall into at home and can be very hard to reverse. Fulham naturally like to go forward, and I think they have enough in their locker to take the points in this one.

This is a fixture that always fills the column inches and that’ll be no different ahead of this weekend’s clash.

Arsenal have turned the corner after being so poor before the turn of the year and United could do no wrong until their huge slip up at home to Sheffield United.

That said, it is away from Old Trafford where I have been most impressed with Manchester United. If they can employ similar tactics as they did home and away against Liverpool, I think they could nick this on the break.

Marcus Rashford is so hard to pick up when United are on the counter-attack, and if he’s in the same form as he was in the FA Cup against Liverpool, I can see him getting on the scoresheet.

I’ve really enjoyed watching Aston Villa this season. If it wasn’t for a few defensive lapses, they could be a few places higher in the Premier League. However, I was still very surprised at how badly they collapsed at Burnley midweek. That will have left Dean Smith scratching his head and no wonder.

They take on a Southampton side that are blowing rather hot and cold just now. A win followed by a defeat against Arsenal epitomised that and I’m a bit concerned that they simply aren’t scoring enough goals.

Villa certainly are, and if they bring their A game for the full 90 minutes, I think they’ll take the points home.

Thomas Tuchel would’ve hoped for a better result in his first match as Chelsea manager. However, he was only hours into the job prior to Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at home to Wolves, so he should have his players better drilled ahead of this.

Burnley are turning into ‘smash and grab’ specialists, however, with a few days training now under the new manager’s belt, I think Chelsea will have enough to get the points.

This has the potential to be a fantastic match! Leeds got a much needed victory on the road against Newcastle midweek; however, a much tougher task awaits them at the King Power.

Leicester arrive here in top form. Three wins in as many matches mean that the Foxes are well in the title mix, and despite missing Jamie Vardy, I still think they’ll have enough to beat an inconsistent Leeds side.

Liverpool returned to winning ways with a controlled away victory at Tottenham on Thursday night. Again, the Reds travel to London to take on a West Ham side that are absolutely flying.

The Hammers have won their last 4 on the bounce and are undefeated in their last 6 Premier League matches. So, the home side will absolutely fancy their chances here.

I think this could be tight. Liverpool will look to dominate possession, and I think one goal may be enough to clinch the points for the Reds.

Tottenham were outplayed for most of their match against Liverpool on Thursday night. However, they almost got off to a perfect start when Son’s goal was chalked off by VAR – so who knows what might have been.

Brighton have made a marked improvement since the turn of the year and there is little doubt that they can cause most Premier League sides problems.

That said, one player that has caught my eye in recent weeks is Tanguy Ndombele. He seems to be playing a little further forward and that has seen a huge uplift in his shots and goals.

With Harry Kane a doubt, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him scoring in a narrow win for Spurs.