Premier League Matchday 16: Which Way Will The Manchester Derby Go?

Liverpool maintained their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a convincing win in the Merseyside derby midweek. Brand ambassador Michael Owen again looks forward to all the weekend action exclusively for BetVictor.

Everton v Chelsea

Everton start the weekend in the drop zone, but they are unbeaten in their last three against Chelsea and won the corresponding game last season at Goodison back in the spring. At the time of writing it is unclear if Marco Silva will still be in charge of the Toffees for the visit of Frank Lampard’s side following their heavy defeat at Anfield midweek.

Chelsea welcomed back Tammy Abraham from injury midweek and the striker was the difference between the sides against Aston Villa with whom he had such a profitable campaign last season.

Everton badly need a positive result and I think they will get a draw at what is sure to be a tense Goodison Park.

Tip: Game to finish in a draw

Bournemouth v Liverpool

It is three years since Bournemouth beat Liverpool 4-3 at the Vitality Stadium but since that game the Reds are unbeaten against the Cherries and have won the last four by an aggregate score of 14-0!

Harry Wilson is ineligible against his parent club and the Cherries never really looked like breaking down 10-man Palace at Selhurst Park midweek. These are worrying times for Eddie Howe’s side who have now lost their last four in the league.

Liverpool put five past Everton midweek, but may find things more difficult on the south coast although I expect the result to be the same as the Reds march on relentlessly at the top of the table.

Tip: Liverpool to win and both teams to score

Tottenham v Burnley

Burnley have not won at Spurs in the league since 1974 and I expect Jose Mourinho to maintain his unblemished home record since becoming Spurs boss despite their midweek reverse at Old Trafford.

The Clarets have lost five of their last seven league games and were outclassed by Manchester City at Turf Moor midweek. Sean Dyche’s side are better than that but I still expect the hosts to keep all three points in the capital.

Tip: Spurs to win and both teams to score

Watford v Crystal Palace

At the time of writing Watford are still looking for a new manager having parted company with Quique Sanchez Flores – for a second time – at the weekend following their defeat to Southampton.

Palace must do without the suspended Mamadou Sakho and the injured Patrick Van Aanholt for the trip to Vicarage Road and Roy Hodgson is running out of defensive options, but Palace showed their resilience in beating a disappointing Bournemouth with 10-men for 70 minutes on Tuesday.

The Eagles have won six of their last seven games played outside London and I expect them to edge a low-scoring affair.

Tip: Palace to win

Manchester City v Manchester United

The 179^th Manchester derby and City, who did the double over United last season, are taken to maintain their recent supremacy against their local rivals at the Etihad Stadium.

Both sides have scored in three of the last four games between the teams and I would be surprised if we didn’t see goals in Saturday’s late kick-off.

City were comfortable winners at Turf Moor midweek, but once against they failed to keep a clean sheet while a Marcus Rashford inspired United gained a much-needed three points against Jose Mourinho’s Spurs on Wednesday.

Tip: City to win and both teams to score

Aston Villa v Leicester City

Leicester have won their last seven league games – equalling their top-flight record – but I think they will have to settle for a point at Villa Park.

Jamie Vardy has scored 23 goals in 25 league games under Brendan Rodgers, but Villa also have goals in their ranks. It promises to be a terrific midlands derby with honours even.

Tip: Game to finish in a scoring draw

Newcastle United v Southampton

Newcastle have won their last two home games against Southampton in the Premier League – scoring six times in the process – but I feel they may have to settle for a point against a Saints side who were, arguably, unfortunate not to beat Arsenal in their last away league game.

Back-to-back home wins this week has seen the Saints move out of the relegation places and I expect them to build on those victories with a draw at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Tip: Game to finish in a draw

Norwich City v Sheffield United

Sheffield United remain unbeaten on the road in the Premier League and I think they will extend their proud record at Carrow Road against a Norwich side who finished five points above the Blades in the Championship last season but have failed to make the same impression as Chris Wilder’s side back in the top-flight.

Tip: Sheffield United to win

Brighton v Wolves

Wolves are unbeaten in the Premier League since mid-September and I believe they will have too much quality for Brighton, despite the Seagulls’ impressive away win this week at Arsenal.

Tip: Wolves to win

West Ham v Arsenal

West Ham have not won at the London Stadium since mid-September while Arsenal have not won on the road in the Premier League since the opening weekend of the season.

West Ham have won just one of their last nine in the league after their defeat at Molineux midweek, but I think they can take a point against the Gunners back at the London Stadium.

Tip: Game to finish in a draw

Michael’s weekend treble: Liverpool, Sheffield United and Manchester City