Manchester City's huge title clash with Liverpool is being described as the defining game of this season's Premier League - and many pundits have offered their predictions.
That includes former Reds striker Michael Owen, who is backing Jurgen Klopp's side to snatch a 2-1 win at the Etihad on Sunday. Pep Guardiola's leaders boast a one-point lead over Liverpool in second heading into the big game.
City have won their last three games, defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday. Liverpool, meanwhile, have won their last five outings, beating Benfica 3-1 in Europe on the same day as City's win. Klopp's outfit have also won their last ten in the Premier League as they continue to build momentum.
"The biggest game of this season, I can’t wait!" Owen told Bet Victor. "I thought City played well against Atletico in midweek, it’s obviously never easy or particularly enjoyable playing against [Diego] Simeone’s side. However, I think City aren’t quite firing on all cylinders in the final third, they haven’t been as prolific of late.
"It was a good game in Lisbon against Benfica and Liverpool probably deserved that 3-1 win. It was probably an ideal warm up game for Liverpool, Benfica tried to take the game to them. I’ve been saying it since he signed, Luis Diaz belongs in this side. He’s given this side even more threat and I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he played a big part in this one.
"This game could go either way, but I’m going for Liverpool. I think they’re going into this with a bit more momentum than City and they have a little bit more attacking spark and threat."
What's your Premier League predictions? Let us know in the comments below!
Sunday's meeting at the Etihad will dominate the headlines, yet the battle to qualify for the Champions League is also hotting up. Owen believes Arsenal will return to winning ways against Brighton on Saturday after their shock 3-0 away defeat to Crystal Palace.
"It may not seem it, but this game is massive for Arsenal’s season," added Owen. "That defeat to Palace was a shock, but they were well-beaten. They looked in control of fourth position, so it will be interesting to see how they respond here.
"As for Brighton, they look like a side with nothing to play for. They’ve been virtually safe for weeks and their form has really taken a hit. They need to start scoring more goals. Given Brighton’s struggles in front of goal recently, this should be straightforward for Arsenal."
Although Owen believes the Gunners will boost their top four hopes, he can't say the same for Tottenham in fourth and Manchester United in seventh. He's backing Everton pick up a point against United in a 1-1 draw, while he thinks Aston Villa will beat Spurs 2-1.
"Their form has just been so inconsistent, and it feels like this season is just drifting away," said Owen on United. "The lack of goals in the side is a worry. With all the attacking quality they have, they shouldn’t be struggling to put it in the net."
On Tottenham, the former England international added: "Villa need a big performance. Their recent form has been too inconsistent for Steven Gerrard’s liking, particularly with the quality of players he’s got at his disposal... that being said, I still fancy Villa."
Elsewhere, Owen thinks Chelsea will win 2-1 at Southampton, Watford's home game with Leeds will end 1-1, West Ham will pick up a 1-0 win at Brentford, Crystal Palace will hold hosts Leicester to a 1-1 draw and Burnley will beat Norwich 1-0 at Carrow Road.
