Michael Owen has delivered his prediction for the Manchester derby
Michael Owen has delivered his prediction for the Manchester derby (Picture: Getty)

Michael Owen expects Manchester City to prove too strong for Manchester United in this weekend’s local derby and has also predicted wins for Thomas Tuchel’s in-form Chelsea and struggling Liverpool.

City welcome United to the Etihad on Sunday knowing a victory could see them move 17 points clear at the top of the Premier League with ten matches remaining.

Pep Guardiola’s side have been in brilliant form, winning 21 matches in a row in all competitions, while Man United have won just one of their last five games in the league.

Owen, who is backing City to win the Manchester derby 3-1, told BetVictor: ‘Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come in for a bit of criticism in recent weeks due to his side’s under-par record against the top six.

‘However, when you look at how United set up, it’s no real surprise. They simply don’t get to dictate the territory against these sides and ultimately that can lead to a stalemate.

‘One side that will happily dominate possession is City, however. They can’t play any other way, so I expect United to be pinned back from the outset.

‘Ole will hope his side can utilise their excellent counter-attack and I believe it’s likely they’ll score. But I just can’t see them keeping City out and think this will be the end of Manchester United’s magnificent away run.’

Chelsea and Liverpool face Everton and Fulham respectively this weekend and Owen is predicting narrow home wins for both clubs.

Tuchel’s Blues clinched an impressive win at Anfield during the week and look on course for a top-four finish, while Liverpool face an uphill battle to secure a Champions League spot after a dismal run of form.

Chelsea vs Everton

Chelsea fans really couldn’t have asked for a better start to the Thomas Tuchel era. With UEFA Champions League qualification well within their grasp, along with a win at Anfield, the players confidence must be sky-high going into this.

However, Everton will pose just as difficult a challenge as anyone. The Toffees have been great this season, and if they were just slightly more consistent, who knows where they’d be.

This should be a great game. Tuchel v Ancelotti is a fascinating battle, and I think it’s bound to be tight. With that in mind, I think Chelsea will just edge it by the slenderest of margins.

Chelsea 1-0 Everton

Liverpool vs Fulham

Thursday night ended up being another evening to forget for the Reds as they were defeated 1-0 by a very solid and well-disciplined Chelsea side.

It proved to be a frustrating match, and the Reds now leave themselves a lot of work to do if they are to achieve a Champions League spot.

I’ve been impressed with Fulham over recent weeks. They’ve shown great character, and I think they could take their fight against the drop straight to the wire.

That said, I think Liverpool will be desperate to get back to winning ways. Mo Salah was substituted against Chelsea, and I think he’ll be hungry to bounce back. For me, it could be tight, but I think Liverpool will just edge it.

Liverpool 1-0 Fulham

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Full Post Here - Michael Owen’s predictions for Manchester derby, Chelsea v Everton and Liverpool v Fulham
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Michael Owen’s predictions for Manchester derby, Chelsea v Everton and Liverpool v Fulham

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Chris Sutton has praised Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes
Chris Sutton has praised Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes would ‘walk into’ the current Manchester City team, according to Chris Sutton.

Fernandes has quickly developed into one of United’s most important players since joining the Red Devils from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020.

The 26-year-old has scored 22 goals and made 12 assists in 46 appearances this season, although his contributions in matches against fellow top-six clubs has been criticised.

Sutton, however, believes Fernandes needs ‘more help’ from his Manchester United team-mates in such games, with the Red Devils facing rivals and Premier League leaders Man City on Sunday.

‘Apparently Bruno Fernandes doesn’t turn up against the Big Six,’ Sutton told the Daily Mail. ‘Seven games, one goal, no assists.

‘But Manchester United’s masterful midfielder can’t do it all on his own.

‘Fernandes has had an Eric Cantona-esque impact on the club and is the only United player who would walk into this City team.

Sutton believes Fernandes would 'walk into' the Man City team
Sutton believes Fernandes would ‘walk into’ the Man City team (Picture: BT Sport)

‘That is why he is scrutinised more than anyone else but he needs help. It cannot be that if Fernandes doesn’t turn up, United don’t turn up.

‘He has scored once in those seven games – a penalty in the 6-1 defeat by Spurs – but that’s one more than his team-mates. Fernandes could do with stepping up, but so could the rest!

‘United won’t have much of the ball on Sunday and may rely on the counter-attack. You don’t envy their task of preventing City from making it 22 consecutive wins.

‘Stopping City doing their thing can be like Whack-a-Mole. You can snuff out one City player but another one will pop up.

‘They’re constantly moving and rotating, and Kevin De Bruyne is the master of getting between the lines. To watch him in full flow is a treat. 

‘He is the great entertainer and, as a neutral, I just hope this match lives up to its billing. Let’s not have another bore draw, please!’

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Full Post Here - Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes would ‘walk into’ Manchester City team, claims Chris Sutton
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Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes would ‘walk into’ Manchester City team, claims Chris Sutton

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Bruno Fernandes is favourite to win PFA Player of the Season
Bruno Fernandes is favourite to win PFA Player of the Season (Getty)

Manchester United will pay £4.2 million to Sporting if Bruno Fernandes wins the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award.

The Portugal international has been United’s key player this season and already has 15 goals and 10 assists in 26 Premier League appearances.

Fernandes is the current favourite to win the award ahead of Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias.

And according to The Times, if Fernandes is crowned the PFA’s Player of the Year, United will be due to pay Sporting an additional £4.2m as part of their initial transfer agreement.

United spent an initial £46.6m to sign Fernandes just over a year ago, but the deal has been topped up by performance related add-ons.

The Times report that United paid Sporting £4.2m after qualifying for the Champions League, plus the same amount again after Fernandes’ 25th start for the club.

Manchester United will pay an additional fee to Sporting if Bruno Fernandes wins the PFA Player of the Season award
Manchester United will pay an additional fee to Sporting if Bruno Fernandes wins the award (Getty)

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw has revealed Fernandes’ response after he won United’s Player of the Month award for February.

Since arriving after United, Fernandes has won the award six times.

‘He [Fernandes] came up to me when I’d won it and he was like, ‘how have you won this?’’ Shaw told United’s official website.

‘I said, ‘it’s the fans that pick it, no-one at the club. You have to understand that!’ “He was like, ‘Ah, it’s okay, someone else needs to win it sometime.’

‘He’s up for the Premier League Player of the Month award, so he’s quite confident he can win that. I’m hoping he can win it, because obviously I took this one!’

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Manchester United due to pay £4m if Bruno Fernandes wins PFA Player of the Year award

Bruno Fernandes is favourite to win PFA Player of the Season (Getty) Manchester United will pay £4.2 million to Sporting if Bruno Fe...
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Raphinha has been linked to Liverpool and Manchester United
Raphinha has been linked to Liverpool and Manchester United (Getty)

Raphinha says he is ‘happy’ and ‘settled’ at Leeds United after being linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United.

The Brazilian midfielder has been one of Leeds’ standout players in the Premier League this season with five goals and five assists so far.

The 24-year-old was signed from Rennes last October in a deal worth around £17 million.

And his impressive performances have reportedly attracted interest from both Liverpool and United, who are looking to bolster their attacking options at the end of the season.

But Raphinha has given no indication that he is unhappy at Leeds.

‘I’m really happy and so satisfied to be a part of this club,’ he told the club’s official website.

‘And when I found that Leeds were interested for me and they wanted me and the way they accepted me, the way I was embraced, the way I was treated on arrival here means and I am really happy now.

‘Today, I’m really well settled in the city and the club. I thank everybody for their affection. They contributed to this.’

Raphinha has impressed for Leeds United this season
Raphinha has impressed for Leeds United this season (Getty)

Speaking last week, former West Ham, Manchester City and England midfielder Trevor Sinclair claims Raphinha would not look out of place in a side challenging for the Premier League title.

‘I’ve been so impressed by Raphinha,’ Sinclair told talkSPORT.

‘He’s been outstanding in that final third being able to create goals and score goals.

‘If you put Raphinha in one of the top sides, he wouldn’t look out of place.

‘I’m not saying Leeds aren’t a top side, they’re a newly promoted Premier League side.

‘But I think if you put him in a Manchester City or Manchester United or Liverpool side, he wouldn’t look out of place.

‘He’s got that much quality on the ball.’

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Raphinha addresses Leeds United future after Liverpool and Manchester Unite transfer link

Raphinha has been linked to Liverpool and Manchester United (Getty) Raphinha says he is ‘happy’ and ‘settled’ at Leeds United after b...
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Ainsley Maitland-Niles joined West Brom on loan for the rest of the season
Ainsley Maitland-Niles joined West Brom on loan for the rest of the season (Getty)

Ainsley Maitland-Niles admits he was ‘rotting away’ at Arsenal and believes his move to West Brom was the ‘perfect fit’.

The 23-year-old had struggled for minutes under Mikel Arteta this season and had started just five Premier League games before he joined the Baggies in the January transfer window.

Maitland-Niles has impressed during his loan spell with Sam Allardyce’s side, who are nine points off safety in the Premier League.

And the midfielder says he was keen to leave Mikel Arteta’s side because his career had stalled.

‘It’s another loan deal, you are going to end up going back to the club eventually,’ Maitland-Niles told talkSPORT.

‘It was just more of a chance for me to show what I’m capable of rather than sitting on the bench for the rest of the season and rotting away.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles says he was 'rotting away' at Arsenal

‘The main reason was being able to play as there’s nothing better than playing. I felt it would be great to experience the work of people trying to save their careers and stay in the Premier League.

‘I think it was the perfect fit for me to be here and show them the qualities I can produce.’

Maitland-Niles also confirmed that Arteta has no similarities to his current boss Sam Allardyce.

‘None at all. Two completely different men,’ he said.

‘They’ve got different ways of dealing with things and saying things to players.

‘It’s strange to come out of that one environment and be chucked into something different where everything is different. There’s not one thing the same.

‘I’m just learning to enjoy it and take everything as it comes.’

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Full Post Here - Ainsley Maitland-Niles admits he was ‘rotting away’ at Arsenal
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Ainsley Maitland-Niles admits he was ‘rotting away’ at Arsenal

Ainsley Maitland-Niles joined West Brom on loan for the rest of the season (Getty) Ainsley Maitland-Niles admits he was ‘rotting away...
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Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea warms up before during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad at on February 25, 2021 in Manchester, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors.
De Gea is out of the Manchester City clash (Picture: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be without David de Gea for this weekend’s clash with Manchester City but expects the Manchester United goalkeeper to return fairly soon.

De Gea was a surprise absentee from Manchester United’s 0-0 midweek draw against Crystal Palace, missing the game due to ‘personal reasons’, but announced he had become a father.

Solskjaer confirmed the goalkeeper had travelled back to his native Spain to be there for the birth of his child and while that would normally only result in a short absence, the coronavirus situation means it could lead to a longer spell out of the side.

The Manchester United manager is satisfied, however, with backup goalkeeper Dean Henderson standing in for the Spaniard and he hopes De Gea will be back as soon as possible.

‘Best feeling you can have to become a dad,’ said Solskjaer. ‘I will give him the time he needs before he comes back.

‘He wanted to go and be there, so not even a decision to make. There is a human being in there. I don’t know when he will be back but it won’t be long.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMCNKvaAvEz/

‘He has to go home and in the old world that is a day and you are ready again, but with the pandemic it is a different world.

‘We felt when David wanted to go there isn’t even a decision to make. Dean is ready.

‘Dean came in and played well and he’s ready so I will give David the time he needs, of course.’

There were reports that De Gea could miss United’s next six games, including ties against City, AC Milan and Leicester, but Solskjaer was coy over his exact return date.

‘As soon as David travels back we have to follow the rules, so I expect him to be ready very soon,’ added Solskjaer.

‘We allowed him to go back and we want him back as soon as possible – but he is a human being. I don’t know when he is back, but it won’t be long.’

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer provides update on David de Gea ahead of Manchester City clash

De Gea is out of the Manchester City clash (Picture: Visionhaus/Getty Images) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be without David de Gea for ...
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Rishabh Pant scored a brilliant century for India against England
Rishabh Pant scored a brilliant century for India against England (Picture: BCCI)

Rishabh Pant says he was purely focused on securing a first-innings lead for India after scoring an incredible century to put England on the back foot in the fourth Test in Ahmedabad.

‘The team plan was just to build a partnership; I thought that after assessing the pitch that I was going to play my shots,’ Pant said at the close of play.

‘Sometimes when the bowler is bowling well you have to respect the ball; I like to play according to the situation and I just see the ball and react to it.

‘The team plan was to get to 200 and then get as much of a lead as we can. That was the only goal that I had in my mind.’

On reverse-sweeping England record wicket-taker James Anderson, Pant added: ‘When everything is going your way, you can try your luck…’

More to follow…

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Full Post Here - India’s Rishabh Pant speaks out after scoring incredible century in fourth Test against England
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India’s Rishabh Pant speaks out after scoring incredible century in fourth Test against England

Rishabh Pant scored a brilliant century for India against England (Picture: BCCI) Rishabh Pant says he was purely focused on securing...
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Erling Haaland is wanted by the majority of Europe's biggest clubs
Erling Haaland is wanted by the majority of Europe’s biggest clubs (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea are growing increasingly confident of winning the race to sign Europe’s most in-demand striker, Erling Haaland, from Borussia Dortmund this summer.

The Norway international burst onto the scene with RB Salzburg during last season’s Champions League group stage and has since cemented his reputation as one of world football’s most prolific forwards after signing for Borussia Dortmund.

Manchester rivals City and United are attempting to position themselves to make moves this summer with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who coached the 20-year-old during the early stages of his career at Molde, still in touch with his compatriot.

United are likely to be working with a modest transfer budget, however, and would struggle to match any package their local rivals could present to Haaland, even if they were to secure Champions League qualification and boost their funds through player sales.

Even then, a new centre-back partner, ideally a left-sided one, represents Solskjaer’s priority, while a new central midfielder will be required should Paul Pogba be sold.

Erling Haaland has been in sensational form for Borussia Dortmund this season
Erling Haaland has been in sensational form for Borussia Dortmund this season (Picture: Getty)

Real Madrid and Barcelona, meanwhile, are also likely to lack the financial wherewithal to recruit Haaland this summer, while Bayern Munich are not an option at this stage with Robert Lewandowksi’s form showing no sign of deteriorating.

Reports from Germany earlier this week claimed Haaland was less than receptive to the idea of joining Chelsea but, according to ESPN, the Premier League big-spenders believe they have several factors in their favour.

Having invested upwards of £200million last summer, Roman Abramovich is unlikely to curtail his spending especially if, as seems increasingly likely, Thomas Tuchel secures Champions League qualification.

Chelsea could comfortably match any financial package City were able to put together, while the draw of London is thought to be a significant factor in their growing confidence.

Despite the raft of attacking options at his disposal, meanwhile, Tuchel is yet to settle on a first choice line leader and with doubts over the futures of Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud, there is likely to be a ready-made spot for Haaland to fill at Stamford Bridge as the focal point of a new-look attack.

City, too, are likely to be in the market for a successor to Sergio Aguero who has played only a bit-part role in their domestic dominance this season, but their eyes remain still largely fixed on potentially reuniting Lionel Messi with Pep Guardiola.

MORE : Lee Sharpe urges Manchester United to sign Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland to become Premier League title contenders

MORE : Andy Cole sends message to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland transfers

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Full Post Here - The three reasons Chelsea are confident of winning transfer race to sign Erling Haaland
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The three reasons Chelsea are confident of winning transfer race to sign Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland is wanted by the majority of Europe’s biggest clubs (Picture: Getty) Chelsea are growing increasingly confident of wi...
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India star Rishabh Pant scored a brilliant century against England
India star Rishabh Pant scored a brilliant century against England (Picture: Getty)

Rishabh Pant scored a stunning century to put India in a dominant position in the fourth Test against England and establish himself as one of the best players in world cricket.

India bowled England out for just 205 on day one of the final Test in Ahmedabad but threatened to forfeit a first-innings lead as they slipped to 146-6 on day two.

Pant came to the crease with his side struggling on 80-4 but turned the match on its head with a brilliant and fluent hundred – his third in Test cricket – eventually departing for 101 from 118 balls.

The 23-year-old frustrated England in the afternoon session before opening up after tea, hitting 15 boundaries including a reverse-sweep off England pace bowler James Anderson and a maximum off Joe Root to bring up his ton.

Pant found superb support from all-rounder Washington Sundar – who is unbeaten on 60 – as India reached the close on 294-7, a lead of 89.

Speaking on Channel 4, former England captain Andrew Strauss said: ‘Talk about match-defining innings, that’s what we’ve just seen. He’s single-handedly wrestled the game away from England and it’s a long way back for them now.’

Cricket legends and former stars react to Rishabh Pant century

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Full Post Here - Kevin Pietersen, Virender Sehwag and other cricket greats react to stunning Rishabh Pant century for India against England
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Kevin Pietersen, Virender Sehwag and other cricket greats react to stunning Rishabh Pant century for India against England

India star Rishabh Pant scored a brilliant century against England (Picture: Getty) Rishabh Pant scored a stunning century to put Ind...
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Claressa Shields Media Workout
Shields has won gold at every turn in her career (Picture: Getty)

Claressa Shields believes she is the ‘second greatest of all-time’ behind Muhammad Ali – insisting ’98 per cent of men in the world can’t beat me.’

Just 25, Shields boasts an incredible boxing résumé across amateur and professional disciplines and is an undisputed star of the sport.

The American became the first boxer, male or female, to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals, triumphing at London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016.

Since turning pro, she has won world titles at three different weight classes, reigning as the undisputed middleweight champion and is now out to unify the super-welterweight division when she takes on Marie-Eve Dicaire in Michigan on Friday night.

Already WBC and WBO champion, taking Dicaire’s IBF and the vacant WBA title will see her unify a division for the second time in her career.

Claressa Shields
Shields chasing more gold (Picture: Getty)

Shields is also determined to carry her dominance over to the world of MMA, signing a deal with the Professional Fighters League earlier this year with her debut in the cage set for June.

And given her career achievements to date, Shields has now ditched her previous nickname T-Rex, now referring to herself as ‘The GWOAT’ (Greatest Woman of All Time).

‘I don’t box for a hobby. It’s not a hobby. It’s my career, and I feel like people underestimate me when I speak about how great I am,’ Shields said ahead of her latest title showdown.

‘But if I didn’t say how great I am, no one in this room would have ever called me great because they don’t recognise it. Only the greats know that they’re great.

‘Like Muhammad Ali. Nobody called him the greatest of all time. They actually called him the ‘Louisville Lip’ because he talked too much.

‘If he had never said he was the greatest of all time, he would have never been considered the greatest. No matter what boxer comes along, nobody can get in front of Muhammad Ali. That’s how I feel about myself.

‘Muhammad Ali is first, and Claressa Shields is second. I am the greatest woman of all time, and 98 per cent of men in the world can’t beat me.

‘I want you to know I’m not taking prisoners. This is a new era for me. My name from now on is Claressa ‘The GWOAT’ Shields. [Previous nickname] ‘T-Rex’ has long gone. ‘T-Rex’ was aggressive, but the greatest of all time has so much more.’

MORE : PFL can become the ‘Premier League of MMA’ as Claressa Shields debut details emerge

MORE : Claressa Shields: Katie Taylor fight can happen but the GWOAT debate is already over

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Full Post Here - Claressa Shields insists ’98 per cent of men in the world can’t beat me’ after declaring herself the new ‘GWOAT’
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Claressa Shields insists ’98 per cent of men in the world can’t beat me’ after declaring herself the new ‘GWOAT’

Shields has won gold at every turn in her career (Picture: Getty) Claressa Shields believes she is the ‘second greatest of all-time’ ...
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