MY ACCOUNT
After being completely outclassed by Manchester City, Arsenal’s superb season is in real danger of fizzling out.
Mikel Arteta’s men go into their clash with Chelsea knowing their title hopes are all but over — yet they aren’t realistically going to finish any lower than second.
Confidence has been dented and you can imagine the dressing room is feeling very flat compared a month ago.
Whatever happens, it’s been a fantastic season for the Gunners. But if they end up limping to the finishing line, it will leave a sour taste.
Right now, can you see Arsenal winning all five of their remaining games? I can’t.
A bad finish can linger over you all summer, so I’m sure Mikel is desperate to get his men back on track quickly.
And what better way to do so than with a victory over London rivals?
Feeling Blue
Where do you even start when discussing Chelsea’s season? It’s been outrageously bad.
For a club of that size, a squad packed with so much quality and the managers they’ve had, to be closer to the relegation zone than the European spots is criminal.
Frank Lampard has been unable to turn things around so far and I’m hearing him mention low confidence a lot.
That’s an issue that can very easily spiral and it’s a hard thing to turn around. You need a positive result and things just aren’t falling their way at the moment.
A trip to the Emirates is not one Blues fans will relish but a derby always gives you a chance, providing you keep your emotions in check.
If I was Frank, I’d be tempted ring the changes on Tuesday.
Introducing a few faces that haven’t featured as much should help lift morale and some of those fringe players may feel they have a point to prove.
Wonderful Watkins
I’m sure Aston Villa will travel to Manchester United in confident mood on Sunday after grinding out another win over Fulham.
Ollie Watkins’ unbelievable scoring form has been key to his side’s remarkable rise and you’ve got to think he has hugely boosted his long-term England prospects.
Should he be starting for Three Lions right now? He’s certainly good enough — but for me, that conversation still revolves around Harry Kane.
As it stands, the likes of Watkins and Ivan Toney are battling to be Kane’s back-up. There’s no way you can drop your captain and all-time top scorer.
But there’ll be times over the next few years when an alternative option is required and Watkins has certainly put himself at the head of the chasing pack.
One more goal will see him reach a personal-best tally in the Premier League and I think his best years are still to come.
Anyway, time for my predictions!
Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 34 predictions
Crystal Palace vs West Ham (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)
Both teams are in similar form and a win for the Hammers will see them take a big step towards safety.
Palace are playing well under Roy Hodgson but I have a sneaky feeling for an away win.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 West Ham
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest (Saturday, 3pm)
I didn’t see Forest getting that result in midweek against Brighton, so fair play to them.
However, their away form is awful and you’d have to favour Thomas Frank’s men.
Prediction: Brentford 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Brighton vs Wolves (Saturday, 3pm)
The Seagulls were clearly impacted by their FA Cup semi-final defeat when losing at Forest and who knows if that will continue.
Wolves are capable of causing them problems and are playing with more freedom now, so I’ll say a draw.
Prediction: Brighton 2-2 Wolves
Bournemouth vs Leeds (Sunday, 2pm)
Fair play to everyone at Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil, the players and the board have all kept the faith through some rough results and another win would likely make them safe.
Leeds really can’t afford to lose but are so inconsistent. I have to go with the Cherries.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Leeds
Fulham vs Manchester City (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)
The way City are performing, I can’t see them losing to anyone. They’re on another level!
Fulham are a threat but this will be a really tough assignment without Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Prediction: Fulham 0-2 Manchester City
Manchester United vs Aston Villa (Sunday, 2pm)
City aside, I’m not sure any team is playing with the confidence levels of Villa and they’ll really fancy this.
After United blew that two-goal lead in midweek at Tottenham, I could see Unai Emery’s men giving them more problems at Old Trafford.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Aston Villa
Newcastle vs Southampton (Sunday, 2pm)
Southampton are starting to look dead and buried. They’ll need to produce something like Leicester’s crazy run from a few years ago if they’re going to turn things around.
Sadly for them, I don’t see them getting anything at Newcastle.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Southampton
Liverpool vs Tottenham (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)
I still think it’s a big ask for Liverpool to chase down a top-four spot but those above them will be starting to get nervous.
A win here keeps them in the hunt and I fancy the Reds at Anfield.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham
Leicester vs Everton (Monday, 8pm, Sky Sports)
I’m getting really worried for Everton. Even my heart isn’t telling me they’re going to pull a win out here.
A loss for either team would be disastrous and a draw also isn’t that helpful, though I think that’s the likeliest outcome.
Prediction: Leicester 1-1 Everton
Arsenal vs Chelsea (Tuesday, 8pm, Sky Sports)
The derby element helps Chelsea but I’m not convinced they’re in a place to go and win at the Emirates.
You’d think Arsenal are going to score a couple of times at home and it spells bad news for the Blues if the hosts net early.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Chelsea
Joleon Lescott was talking to Matthew Hill
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