Michael Owen: Manchester United will make Leicester wait for first league title

Predictions: Former Liverpool striker and BetVictor brand ambassador Michael Owen looks ahead to the weekend

Leicester need just three points from their remaining three games to win the title (Getty)

Leicester City are closing in on a Premier League title that will cost BetVictor the best part of a £1million having laid the Foxes for a three-week period at 3,000/1 back in August.

It is an incredible story but one which brand ambassador Michael Owen believes will have to wait another weekend at least before the champagne is cracked open at the King Power.

Everton v Bournemouth

This is a difficult game for Everton and in particular Roberto Martinez. The Toffees boss is the subject of much media speculation surrounding his future at the club and he appears to have lost the backing of the fans. He needs a win but it is hard to see them keeping a clean sheet at present and I think there will be goals at Goodison Park.

Michael’s recommendation: Both teams to score at 11/20

Newcastle v Crystal Palace

Rafael Benitez with his Newcastle players (Getty)

Alan Pardew will not want to lose going back to face his former club but this is, arguably, a bigger game for the Magpies than it is for the Eagles who have secured their place in next month’s FA Cup final. You have to go back to December for the last time the Eagles won on the road in the league and my old club have improved under Rafa Benitez; they can keep the points.

Michael’s recommendation: Newcastle to win at Evens

Stoke v Sunderland

The Potters have conceded 12 goals in their last three Premier League games and Sunderland will fancy their chances at the Britannia although they have failed to score in three of their last four league games. A difficult game to predict and perhaps Marko Arnautovic can add to his impressive goal tally this term.

Michael’s recommendation: Arnautovic to score at anytime at 11/5

Watford v Aston Villa

A damming statistic for Hornets; after Odion Ighalo (14) and Troy Deeney (9) own goals is the third highest league scorer for the club with three and they have only secured 13 out of their last 51 points on offer. That said Villa have lost 10 on the spin and I expect to see an open, attacking game at Vicarage Road.

Michael’s recommendation: Watford to win and both teams to score at 14/5

West Brom v West Ham

Dimitri Payet is the most talented West Ham player in a decade

Seven of the last 10 Premier League games between the sides have finished in a draw and I can see that trend continuing at the Hawthorns. Yet again, the Baggies were cast as lambs to the slaughter at White Hart Lane earlier in the week, but they hadn’t read the script and went away with a valuable point - especially if you were a Leicester City fan.

Michael’s recommendation: Draw at 12/5

Arsenal v Norwich

Arsene Wenger’s 750^th Premier League game in charge of Arsenal and he will always be remembered for the glory days he brought the club; this season might go down as the title that got away from the Gunners in, ultimately, a disappointing campaign although I expect to see a home win to mark the Frenchman’s impressive landmark.

Michael’s recommendation: Arsenal to win to nil at 23/20

Swansea v Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp (Getty)

The Reds are likely to field a weakened side at the Liberty Stadium with one eye on the second leg of their Europa League tie with Villarreal. This is, however, a very strong Liverpool squad and they are all playing for their Anfield future with Jurgen Klopp sure to make changes to his playing squad this summer. I think Liverpool can take all three points.

Michael’s recommendation: Liverpool to win at 13/10

Manchester United v Leicester

The Foxes are on the verge of winning their first top-flight league title but they may have to wait at least another 24 hours, as United are looking to maintain their challenge for the top four. Wayne Rooney has scored 99 league goals at Old Trafford - only Thierry Henry (114) has scored 100 goals at the same stadium (Highbury) in the Premier League; a magnificent achievement.

Michael’s recommendation: United to win at 11/10

Southampton v Manchester City

A very hard game to call. City have the small matter of a trip to the Bernabeu on Wednesday but they can’t take their foot off the gas as they need to ensure Champions League football next term. Saints are in decent form at the moment and I think we could see a cracking game at St Mary’s.

Michael’s recommendation: Both teams to score at 13/20

Chelsea v Tottenham

The bad news for Spurs is that Cesc Fabregas looked back to his best at Bournemouth last weekend and his hat-trick of assists means that only Ryan Giggs (162) and Frank Lampard (102) have more assists than the Spaniard’s 95. You have to go back to February 1990 for the last time Spurs won at Stamford Bridge in the League and I think they might have to settle for a point on Monday.

Michael’s recommendation: game to finish 1-1 at 13/2

Michael’s weekend wager: Arsenal, Watford and Newcastle at 10/3