Dimitar Berbatov believes Manchester City will bounce back from their Champions League exit and open up a three-point gap in the Premier League title race.
Pep Guardiola's side were knocked out of Europe on Wednesday after conceding two last-minute goals against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Rodrygo's brace levelled the tie on aggregate, allowing Karim Benzema to score the winner in extra-time.
Former Manchester United forward Berbatov has backed City to respond to their collapse by beating Newcastle 3-1 at the Etihad on Sunday. He also believes Liverpool will fail to beat Tottenham on Saturday, forecasting a 2-2 draw at Anfield.
"This is where we find out what City are made of, it’s a critical point where the players have to get back on their feet after that devastating defeat in Madrid," Berbatov told The Metro, courtesy of Betfair. "They just have to win, it doesn’t matter how."
On Liverpool's clash with Tottenham, Berbatov added: "Oh my God. If someone can help City, it’s Spurs. [Antonio] Conte’s side are chasing top four and they have to get the points. Liverpool also have two cup finals coming up, that will be on their minds, they will be thinking about what is the priority for them. There’s a chance of an upset here."
If Berbatov's predictions are correct, a point won't be enough for Tottenham. The Bulgarian's ex-club are currently two points behind Arsenal in fourth and he's backing the Gunners to open up a four-point lead by beating Leeds 2-0 at home on Sunday.
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"Arsenal are in a good moment," insisted Berbatov. "[Manager Mikel] Arteta has extended his contract which will give the place a feel good factor. Leeds are in danger and I expect this to be a tough afternoon for them."
If that prediction comes true, it will officially end United's slim hopes of finishing fourth. Despite this, Berbatov is still backing the Red Devils to pick up three points against Brighton at the Amex on Saturday with a 2-1 victory.
Elsewhere, Berbatov believes Brentford will beat Southampton 2-1 at home on Saturday, Chelsea will defeat Wolves 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and West Ham will pick up a 2-0 away win against Norwich on Sunday.
The Premier League winner has also had his say on the relegation battle. Burnley and Leeds are currently on 34 points, two points ahead of Everton in 18th - the final relegation spot. Watford are 19th and need to beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday to keep their hopes alive. Berbatov thinks they'll fail, losing 3-1.
He also believes Leeds will end the weekend in the bottom three, tipping Everton to beat Leicester 1-0 at the King Power on Sunday and Burnley to edge Aston Villa 1-0 at Turf Moor 24 hours earlier.
On Everton, Berbatov said: "Everton have to win this. They beat Man Utd and Chelsea recently... Everton and [manager Frank] Lampard have some moment and they need the win, I think they will get another here."
