Michael Owen makes FA Cup predictions including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United vs Liverpool

Michael Owen has delivered his predictions for a number of crunch FA Cup fourth-round clashes including Manchester United’s second meeting in a week with bitter rivals Liverpool.

The two sides played out a 0-0 draw at Anfield last Sunday and will do battle again this weekend, this time at Old Trafford.

Liverpool are on a five-match winless run in the league, while their opponents United sit top of the table and are in red-hot form.

Despite Jurgen Klopp’s side’s recent struggles, Owen believes the Reds will book their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a narrow 2-1 win on Sunday.

‘For the second time in a week, old rivals Manchester United and Liverpool face-off,’ Owen told BetVictor. ‘This time Old Trafford is the venue with a place in the quarter-finals up for the grabs.

‘With that in mind, we could see quite a change in line-ups and possibly tactics. Last week’s match was a highly tactical affair and out of the two teams, United would’ve probably been happier after 90 minutes.

‘Now in the cup, I think this could pan out differently. With United at home, I don’t think they’ll be willing to give up as much territory to Liverpool as they did at Anfield. If that materialises and United truly have a go, it could leave the door wide open for Liverpool to capitalise on the counter.

‘With that in mind, I reckon Liverpool will get through by the narrowest of margins.’

After a miserable start to the season, FA Cup holders Arsenal have been in resurgent form of late, winning five of their last six games in all competitions.

Mikel Arteta’s side face a tricky encounter against Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday, which Owen feels the Gunners will lose 1-0.

‘I think both these sides will fancy their chances of a cup run, so we could see near full strength sides at St. Mary’s,’ Owen added.

‘Arsenal have certainly turned the corner. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang notched a double against Newcastle last Monday and that will come as such a welcome sight to Gunners followers.

‘Southampton have suffered a bit in recent weeks with a few absentees. At full strength they work as an excellent unit. Ralph Hasenhüttl will again have his side well drilled and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he gave up some territory.

‘If he does so, I think Southampton have enough on the counter-attack to nick this one in what I’d expect to be cagey affair.’

Elsewhere, Owen is expecting under-pressure Chelsea boss Frank Lampard to get a confidence-boosting 3-0 win over Championship side Luton, but sees Leicester City tripping up against Brentford.

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