Michael Owen is backing Manchester United and Chelsea to keep up with early Premier League leaders Liverpool when they take on Southampton and Arsenal.

United kicked off the 2021/22 season with a 5-1 thrashing of Leeds, while Chelsea eased past Crystal Palace in a 3-0 win.

Arsenal slipped to a 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Burnley, while Southampton squandered a first half lead to lose 3-1 to Everton.

Owen is backing last week’s winners to pick up three more points and expects United to come away with a 3-1 win in the first Premier League game on Sunday.

‘Manchester United looked outstanding in that home win over Leeds,’ he told Bet Victor. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I think Leeds made it easy for them but some of United‘s play was superb.

‘Manchester United looked outstanding in that home win over Leeds,’ he told Bet Victor. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I think Leeds made it easy for them but some of United‘s play was superb.

‘I can’t see anything but a United win here. They looked in great form last week and I fancy them to exploit what is an error-prone Saints defence.’

European champions Chelsea could deploy their record signing Romelu Lukaku against Mikel Arteta’s side and Owen is certain they will have too much for the Gunners.

‘I was very disappointed with what I saw from Arsenal on Friday,’ he added. ‘I know they were missing a few of their first team but Brentford were deserved winners.

‘They’ve spent money this summer, but have they improved much from where they were last season? I don’t think so. I’d be surprised if they finished any higher than sixth this season.

‘It’s a totally different story at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are looking formidable.

‘They remain such a difficult side to score against and I think Lukaku will be a brilliant signing for them. They finished fourth with Jorginho as their top scorer last season with seven, so imagine what they could do with a prolific striker.

‘Anything can happen in derbies, but this London derby looks like a mismatch. I think Chelsea will comfortably win this 2-0 and pile the pressure on Arsenal.’

In the remaining games this weekend, Owen is tipping Wolves to draw 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur and thinks Leicester’s trip to West Ham will end in the same scoreline.