Michael Owen's Boxing Day Premier League predictions plus Newcastle vs Man Utd

Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen has given his predictions on this season's Premier League Boxing Day fixtures as well as the Red Devils trip to Newcastle the day after.

A number of the league's biggest sides are in action on the 26th, though Jurgen Klopp'sLiverpool side have had their contest with Leeds United postponed due to a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases within Marcelo Bielsa's camp.

Wolves vs Watford was the second game to be postponed, before Everton's trip to Burnley met the same fate after an announcement on Christmas Eve.

However, five of the big-six are still in action and Owen has had his say on how the likes of United, Arsenal and Chelsea will all fare in their respective fixtures.

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United contest their first game since December 11, after fixtures against Brentford and Brighton were postponed due to a Covid outbreak within Ralf Rangnick's side.

Newcastle will be desperate to take points off the Red Devils as they fight for Premier League survial, but Owen feels they will have no such luck.

Writing for BetVictor, Owen explained: "This is one of my favourite fixtures and St James' Park will be noisy for this one. Newcastle continue to struggle, mainly at the back.

"I've said all season that I don't worry about the goals in this side, Callum Wilson is a natural goal scorer, but they need to improve defensively. They've been in a difficult run of fixtures though, and things will get easier from now.

"I'm very interested to see how Man United perform. There's been some signs of change from the new boss in terms of pressing and how he wants them to play.

"He's had some time with the squad to get more of his ideas across and it will be fascinating to see how they play.

"With the home fans behind them, I can see Newcastle scoring. I don't trust them at the back though and United will score a couple of their own. 2-1."

Owen went on to give his verdict on Arsenal's trip to Norwich, claiming: After a good start to his tenure, Dean Smith has seen his side struggle in their last few games.

"The one positive I suppose, is that this the last of the harder games for him. Norwich's next few after this are more winnable and will go a long way in determining their future.

"Arsenal continue to get better and better and are possibly the ones to beat for that 4 th spot.

"Every time I watch them it's the youngsters who take my eye, Saka, Smith Rowe and Odegaard.

"I also really like what I'm seeing from Martinelli in recent weeks. He's got great energy; his movement is fantastic, and he seems to have a knack for scoring goals. Trust me, you can't buy that!

"This should be comfortable for Arsenal. I'm predicting a 2-0 away win."

Turning his attention to Chelsea's trip to Aston Villa, Owen claimed: The likes of Watkins and McGinn are beginning to find their form again since he took charge. Villa aren't far off the top eight and I wouldn't rule them out for that.

"Chelsea are in their worst form of the season and possibly since Thomas Tuchel took charge.

"With just one win in their last four, they find themselves six points off Man City, which even at this stage of the season, is a big hurdle.

"More dropped points for Chelsea will make it difficult to win the league. I can see this Villa side frustrating them and getting a point. I fancy a 1-1 draw."