MY ACCOUNT
Finally, my confidence in Manchester City turning this brilliant title race around is starting to look justified!
I’ve been saying it for weeks, but City are playing at the highest level we’ve seen in years — and now control is back in their hands.
Arsenal’s draw at Anfield means if the champions win their remaining games, they win the title. And you wouldn’t bet against them doing so at this moment, would you?
Even I was surprised by the way they swept Bayern Munich aside in midweek and it’s hard to see struggling Leicester causing many problems at the Etihad on Saturday.
Jumping Jack
One City player who has taken his game to another level in recent times is Jack Grealish.
Since the World Cup, he’s been one of his side’s most dangerous attackers — something which may have coincided with Joao Cancelo’s exit.
Cancelo used to get a lot of joy by taking up the same positions that Jack wants to occupy, which perhaps made it difficult for him.
Nathan Ake has been absolutely exceptional this season and I think he recognises what Jack is good at and just lets him do it.
Jack’s key output is goals and assists and he’s getting them now, which is filling him with confidence.
Anyone who has played professionally will tell you that confidence makes you feel invincible. Long may that continue for Jack and City!
Gunning for glory
While I do think City will ultimately come out on top when all is said and done, Arsenal aren’t going to go down easily.
Their consistency has impressed me hugely. Even when they have played poorly, they’ve still been grinding out results — something that is always key in a title race.
When they play well, they are capable of blowing teams away. But you aren’t always going to be at your best throughout a season.
I was sceptical whether they were going to be able to maintain their start, especially when Gabriel Jesus got injured.
But Eddie Nketiah deputised expertly and the rest of the squad adapted to the situation. Credit must go to Mikel Arteta for that.
I always believed he had the knowledge to be a world-class coach, though I must admit, I didn’t expect him to achieve so much so quickly in his managerial career.
Like City, I don’t foresee a slip-up this weekend when the Gunners head to West Ham.
On that note, time for some predictions!
Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 31 predictions
Aston Villa vs Newcastle (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)
What a great way to start the weekend! Two teams who are both flying and full of confidence.
Newcastle have really impressed me this season but I have to go with Aston Villa the way they are playing. Home win.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle
Chelsea vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)
This is an important game for Chelsea’s underperforming players, who are starting to come in for some pretty fierce criticism.
Brighton may be rocked by Levi Colwill being ineligible against his parent club so I’ll go for the spoils to be shared at Stamford Bridge.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Brighton
Everton vs Fulham (Saturday, 3pm)
Fulham’s season has completely derailed but they are already safe from relegation, so I suppose they’d have settled for that back in August.
This presents Everton with a great chance to get a vital win at home though and I think they’ll do just that.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Fulham
Southampton vs Crystal Palace (Saturday, 3pm)
That was an impressive win for Crystal Palace last weekend and all those goals will have done wonders for team morale.
Southampton don’t lack spirit but are low on belief, so I’ll go for Palace to repeat the trick.
Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Crystal Palace
Tottenham vs Bournemouth (Saturday, 3pm)
Bournemouth shouldn’t be overlooked easily — they’ve had some fantastic results in recent months.
I do think Tottenham will have too much for them at home, though. It might not be pretty but I’ll opt for a home win.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Bournemouth
Wolves vs Brentford (Saturday, 3pm)
If Wolves can follow up last weekend’s win over Chelsea, I think that’ll be enough to ease any lingering relegation fears.
It won’t come easy against Brentford but the Bees are looking more vulnerable than they did earlier in the campaign.
Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Brentford
Manchester City vs Leicester (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)
Dean Smith has come in at Leicester this week but in terms of a first game, you wouldn’t be picking this one!
I just can’t see anything other than a convincing City win here.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Leicester
West Ham vs Arsenal (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)
That was a huge win at Fulham for West Ham and like Wolves, another win here would be monumental for their survival prospects.
I don’t see it though. Arsenal should be able to cause a shaky home defence plenty of problems.
Prediction: West Ham 1-3 Arsenal
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)
This is the game where I can see a big upset this weekend. Forest are a different beast at home and I fancy their chances here.
Manchester United are missing Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez and it just has the look of a shock result to me.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Manchester United
Leeds vs Liverpool (Monday, 8pm, Sky Sports)
Leeds were really poor last week against Palace and are still far from safe, looking at the table.
I have to go with Liverpool here. If they are anywhere near where they were against Arsenal, they’ll have too much for the hosts.
Prediction: Leeds 0-2 Liverpool
Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill
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