Premier League Matchday 13: Lampard To Leave Manchester Unhappy Again

The Premier League returns at the weekend and once again BetVictor brand ambassador Michael Owen looks forward to all the action with the highlight Frank Lampard and Chelsea’s visit to the Etihad on Saturday.

West Ham v Tottenham

Spurs took the decision to sack Mauricio Pochettino midweek and I have to say I was staggered by the decision.

Yes, Spurs have their lowest points tally (14) after 12 league games for over a decade, but it is less than six months ago that they contested the Champions League Final and I believe the Argentinean’s next appointment will be with another major European power.

Jose Mourinho was quickly installed as his replacement by Daniel Levy and there is no disputing he has been a great manager at some of the biggest clubs in the world, although I’m not convinced his star is actually in the ascendancy after his time at Old Trafford.

West Ham have lost four of their last five league games while Manuel Pellegrini received a vote of confidence from the Hammers board after their latest defeat at Turf Moor.

Spurs, despite their heavy defeat to Bayern Munich, have reserved their best performances for the Champions League of late, but a new manager often brings an upturn in fortunes. I expect Spurs to make a winning start to life under Mourinho

Tip: Spurs to win at

Arsenal v Southampton

Arsenal had just one shot on target in their latest league defeat on the road at the King Power Stadium and the Gunners have dropped points from winning positions in their last couple of games at the Emirates against Palace and Wolves.

Unai Emery’s side start the day eight points off fourth place in the table and I think this is a must win game for the Gunners’ boss given Saints sit just one point and one place off the foot of the table.

Tip: Arsenal -1 at

Bournemouth v Wolves

Wolves got a draw at the Emirates in their last game on the road and they can continue their good recent run at the Vitality Stadium against a Bournemouth side who beat Manchester United in their last home game.

The Cherries had gone 392 minutes without conceding before losing at St James’ Park last time and one goal might be enough to split the sides on Saturday.

Tip: Wolves to win 1-0 at

Brighton v Leicester City

Leicester have been outstanding in recent weeks and I feel they can maintain their challenge for a top-four spot at the Amex against a Brighton side who have won their last three home league games.

The Foxes have picked up more points so far this season than they did at the corresponding stage of their title winning season of 2015-16. Jamie Vardy has scored more Premier League goals in 2019 than any other player and his form since Brendan Rodgers took over the reins at the King Power symbolizes the upturn in fortunes at the club since the former Liverpool and Celtic manager took charge.

Tip: Leicester to win at

Crystal Palace v Liverpool

Palace have picked up just one point – at the Emirates – from their last four league games and have lost 2-0 against City, Leicester and Chelsea in that sequence.

Liverpool have an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League and I would be surprised if the Eagles stopped the Reds in their tracks such is the current form and confidence surrounding Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

Tip: Liverpool to win to nil at

Everton v Norwich City

Everton gained a vital win at St Mary’s ahead of the international break and, with forthcoming Premier League fixtures against Leicester, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal on the horizon, Marco Silva will be keen to get another three points tucked away before they embark on a difficult looking December.

Norwich have lost nine of their opening dozen league games and fourteen of their last 16 away games in the top-flight. It is hard to make a case for the Canaries given their troubles on the road and I expect the hosts to keep all three points on Merseyside.

Tip: Everton to win and both teams to score at

Watford v Burnley

Watford won their first league game since April when beating Norwich at Carrow Road last time out, and they will be confident of following up against Burnley. The Clarets are without a win on their travels in their last eight but bounced back from a heavy defeat at Bramall Lane to thump West Ham at Turf Moor ahead of the international break.

I expect this to be a tight, close affair and can’t split the sides.

Tip: Game to finish in a draw at

Manchester City v Chelsea

The game of the weekend is at the Etihad and champions Manchester City will leapfrog Chelsea in the table if they take all three points.

City won the corresponding game 6-0 last season but Chelsea did win the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season and only penalties were able to split the sides at Wembley in the League Cup Final back in February.

After their defeat at Anfield in their previous game City cannot afford to drop points, especially at the Etihad, if they are to put pressure on Liverpool in their quest for a hat-trick of titles.

Chelsea have improved under Frank Lampard and their exciting young side are confident and talented. But beware a wounded Pep Guardiola and his side – it will have been a long international break for the City boss.

Tip: Manchester City to win and both teams to score at

Sheffield United v Manchester United

Sheffield United have been the surprise package of the season and Bramall Lane looks sure to be rocking for the visit of Manchester United who have picked up just five points from their six away league games this term.

A dramatic #PL weekend pic.twitter.com/4nNdSH0kPY

— Premier League (@premierleague) November 11, 2019

Few would have predicted that the Blades would be looking down on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the table at the end of November and I believe they will maintain the one-point gap between the sides following a low-scoring draw.

Tip: Game to finish in a draw at

Aston Villa v Newcastle United

Aston Villa have lost their last three league games – albeit against Manchester City, Liverpool and Wolves – and those defeats have coincided with the injury to skipper Jack Grealish who hobbled off at the Etihad with a knock on the calf and has been out injured since.

Grealish really is the Villa talisman even with John McGinn making such an impressive start to life in the Premier League. Newcastle have picked up 10 points from their last five league games, won their last couple and Steve Bruce has done a terrific job at his home club.

This is another game too close to call and it is a point apiece for me.

Tip: Game to finish 1-1 at

Michael’s weekend wager:

Everton, Liverpool and Manchester City at