Michael Owen: Manchester City can expect a Chelsea backlash and Leicester will drop points to West Ham

Predictions: The former England striker and BetVictor brand ambassador looks ahead to this weekend's round of Premier League games

Marcus Rashford is a rare talent, says Michael Owen (Getty)

A good midweek for the Manchester Clubs with United (FA Cup) and Manchester City (Champions League) both making it through to the semi-final stage of their respective competitions.

The Premier League title looks Leicester City’s to lose after their win at the Stadium of Light on Sunday but BetVictor brand ambassador Michael Owen suggested earlier in the week that he didn’t think the Foxes would have things all their own way against West Ham on Sunday.

Norwich v Sunderland

A massive game at Carrow Road and difficult to pick between the sides; a win for the Canaries would put daylight between them and the Black Cats but Sam Allardyce suggested in his post Leicester City press conference on Sunday that this was a game they couldn’t afford to lose; it promises to be tight, tense with perhaps a point apiece.

Michael’s recommendation: Game to finish in a draw at 23/10

Everton v Southampton

Everton have injuries and the suspension of James McCarthy to contend with ahead of the visit of Southampton. With Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby midweek and the FA Cup semi-final next weekend this is, arguably, the lull before the storm for the Blues. Everton have collected as many points (8) from their last ten home games as Aston Villa which says it all really; a big week for the Club and for Roberto Martinez.

Michael’s recommendation: Both Teams To Score at 31/40

Manchester United v Aston Villa

Hard to see past a home win at Old Trafford and I see that BetVictor have cut Marcus Rashford from 16s to 6/1 to make Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad after his sensational goal against West Ham midweek. Such is the attacking strength at Roy Hodgson’s disposal that I would be surprised if he was on the plane to France but he is a rare talent.

United have kept 10 clean sheets in their last 15 home PL games; I don’t expect David de Gea to be too busy on Saturday.

Michael’s recommendation: United to win to nil at 7/10

A view of Old Trafford (GETTY IMAGES)

Newcastle v Swansea

The Magpies have picked up just one point from their last seven PL games and they meet a Swansea side who have won on their last three PL visits to St James’s Park. The head says my old club are going down but my heart says they can win! I hope it’s 1-0 to the heart.

Michael’s recommendation: Newcastle to win 13/10

West Brom v Watford

The Baggies are unbeaten in their last 15 league games with Watford but I think they may have to settle for a point against the Hornets.

Michael’s recommendation: Correct score 1-1 at 6/1

Chelsea v Manchester City

Chelsea have an excellent record against City at the Bridge losing just one of their last 17 PL games and I think they can keep the points; Chelsea have gone nine games without a home clean sheet and you have to go back to 1970 for the last time they conceded in ten successive home games.

Kevin De Bruyne has been outstanding for City since his return from injury but I just think we might see a backlash from Chelsea who lost for the first time under Guus Hiddink in the PL last weekend. Note you have to go back to February 2004 for the last time Hiddink (PSV) lost back-to-back league games.

Michael’s recommendation: Chelsea to win at 17/10

Kevin De Bruyne's strike took Manchester City to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time (Getty Images)

Bournemouth v Liverpool

Liverpool have never lost against Bournemouth and have already beaten the Cherries twice this season in the League and Capital One Cup; both times by a solitary goal. I don’t expect things to be as tight on Sunday and hope to see goals on the south coast irrespective of how The Reds fare against Dortmund on Thursday evening.

Michael’s recommendation: Over 2.5 goals at Evens

Leicester v West Ham

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic insisted after his FA Cup quarter final defeat to United midweek that his side would battle for every point between now and the end of the season and I think they will get at least a draw at the King Power Stadium. The Foxes remain in pole position for the title but how will they react if they go a goal behind with the stakes so big?

Michael’s recommendation: Double Chance West Ham to either win or draw at 17/20

Arsenal v Crystal Palace

Arsenal have won their last six against Palace in the PL and I can’t see past a home win with the Eagles safe after taking four points from two home games this week.

Michael’s recommendation: Alexis Sanchez to score anytime at 5/4

Alexis Sanchez opens the scoring for Arsenal against Watford (Reuters)

Stoke v Tottenham

Whatever the outcome at the King Power I expect Spurs to maintain their title challenge with a win at the Britannia on Monday against a home side who looked to be badly missing injured keeper Jack Butland at Anfield last weekend.

Michael’s recommendation; Spurs to win at 5/6

Michael’s weekend wager: Spurs, Manchester United and Newcastle to all win at 9/2

For the latest betting odds visit BetVictor.