MY ACCOUNT
Liverpool have had their problems this season but they will still look to go toe-to-toe with champions Manchester City.
It’s the only way Jurgen Klopp’s men know and a more cautious approach at Anfield is out of the question — despite their worst start to a Premier League campaign under the German.
This has been the game to watch in the top flight in recent years due to the quality of both sides and I believe Sunday will be no different.
The Reds need a win. They’re already 13 points behind City and 14 adrift of league leaders Arsenal, so they need to start bridging that gap.
The title is out of the question. There’s already a five-win difference between Liverpool and City, so a top-four place is more realistic now.
Whether that attacking approach pays off for Liverpool remains to be seen. It may allow City’s ruthless stars to exploit them on the counter-attack.
Erling Haaland and Co are in sensational form but manager Pep Guardiola will respect the Reds.
Despite losing against Arsenal, Liverpool caused problems going forward. Couple that with their 7-1 win at Rangers on Wednesday and they are still undoubtedly a threat.
Pep will be well aware of Liverpool’s strengths ahead and, as he often does, will adjust his tactics accordingly.
Salah missing Mane
I don’t think Liverpool’s Premier League struggles are down to one thing. If it was, Klopp would easily rectify it.
There’s bound to be plenty of mental fatigue from last season, while their luck with injuries hasn’t helped. There are plenty of teams getting stronger, too.
I saidat the start of the season that Sadio Mane would be a big loss — but I think Liverpool have missed the Senegal international even more than expected.
His intensity in and out of possession was crazy. He gave the opposition the fear factor in both sides of the game.
Players knew he would close you down at such a pace and that meant you couldn’t make a mistake or hesitate. That’s maybe a reason why we’ve seen a drop off in intensity by Liverpool.
That is before you mention the way he could destroy teams with his agility and finishing.
With Mohamed Salah, you recognise exactly what he brings when he’s on the ball. His goalscoring numbers last season were phenomenal.
But off the ball, I don’t believe the Egyptian is as effective at pressing as Mane was for the Reds.
Couple that with the fact Salah is not achieving those same numbers this season and there is added pressure on him to perform — though his hat-trick at Ibrox will have done him the world of good.
Let’s have a look at my predictions for the Premier League weekend.
Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 11 predictions
Brentford vs Brighton (Friday, 8pm, Sky Sports)
An intriguing game to kick off the weekend’s action!
Brentford will be determined to bounce back from their 5-1 defeat at Newcastle last weekend, as will Brighton who were edged out by Tottenham in Roberto De Zerbi’s first home game.
I don’t have any real explanation for this but my gut is saying the home side will come out on top.
Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Brighton
Leicester vs Crystal Palace (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport 1)
Another tough game for Leicester — Crystal Palace are a difficult fixture for any team.
The Foxes finally got a win on the board against Nottingham Forest but followed it up with a disappointing defeat at Bournemouth last weekend.
I’m a big fan of what my old mate Patrick Vieira has done with the Eagles but I think Leicester will get the win.
Prediction: Leicester 2-1 Crystal Palace
Fulham vs Bournemouth (Saturday, 3pm)
Both Fulham and Bournemouth might be slightly surprised to find themselves in the top half at this stage of the season.
The expectations following promotion will have just been to stay in the league. It still may be that but both have outperformed a number of established sides so far and played to win, so every credit to them.
Interim Cherries boss Gary O’Neil is proving his credentials at this level, which is great to see, but I think Fulham will have too much at home.
Prediction: Fulham 2-0 Bournemouth
Wolves vs Nottingham Forest (Saturday, 3pm)
Two teams who are very much struggling this season. Nottingham Forest will have been delighted to stop the rot against Aston Villa on Monday, even if it wasn’t pretty.
Steve Cooper’s surprise new contract means there’s a slightly more positive mood at the Reds and I think that will be a factor against managerless Wolves.
I reckon Forest will get their first win in seven games.
Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Tottenham vs Everton (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)
Tottenham got a well-earned victory at the Amex and followed it up in the Champions League in midweek, so they will be full of confidence at home.
Everton are improving but the defeat to Manchester United showed they might not quite be ready to challenge the top teams.
If Spurs go ahead, they’ll shut up shop and I can see Harry Kane scoring.
Prediction: Tottenham 1-0 Everton
Aston Villa vs Chelsea (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)
It’s no surprise to see Graham Potter starting really well at Chelsea, while Aston Villa are struggling under Steven Gerrard.
But I wouldn’t count the home side out of this one. The Villa Park crowd are desperate for some excitement and could make it difficult if the team start well.
Getting the fans on side early on will be key for Gerrard’s men and I’ll go with my heart and say Villa could surprise a few here.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
Leeds vs Arsenal (Sunday, 2pm)
Arsenal’s confidence is sky high and I can see their fine form continuing at Elland Road on Sunday.
The Gunners are playing with so much quality at the moment and there are so many players you could pick out who will cause problems for Leeds.
Jesse Marsch’s men’s five-game run without a Premier League win looks set to be extended.
Prediction: Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
Manchester United vs Newcastle (Sunday, 2pm)
This is another tough one to call! I’m expecting Cristiano Ronaldo to come back into the starting XI for Manchester United.
I’ve been impressed with how Antony has started at Old Trafford but Newcastle will be no easy task after climbing to sixth with two successive wins.
However, Ronaldo can create moments out of nothing and for that reason I’m backing a United win.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Newcastle
Southampton vs West Ham (Sunday, 2pm)
Current form would suggest West Ham are favourites but I still think Southampton can hurt teams when they get it right.
The Saints are largely a different proposition at home and I’m still unsure which Hammers team will turn up, despite a couple of wins to lift the mood.
I’m going to predict that the spoils are shared on the South Coast.
Prediction: Southampton 1-1 West Ham
Liverpool vs Manchester City (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)
As I said before, Liverpool will feel they need to win this and that could leave space for Haaland to exploit.
City are in a great rhythm at the moment. They didn’t find the net in the Champions League on Tuesday but I’d actually say it’s harder for them not to score right now!
The Reds will put up a fight but I see this one going to form.
Prediction: Liverpool 0-2 Manchester City
Joleon Lescott was speaking to Cian Cheesbrough
