MY ACCOUNT
Manchester City must keep Real Madrid off their minds ahead of Sunday’s trip to Everton.
Pep Guardiola made seven changes for the home game with Leeds ahead of visiting the Bernabeu, though it did not stop City recording a comfortable victory.
I’m sure he’d love to do something similar against the Toffees — but I think that would be a huge risk.
For one, you’re not at home and Goodison Park is going to be absolutely electric. s a visiting side, you have to start strongly to calm that atmosphere.
Secondly, Everton’s confidence is probably as high as it has been all season.
They’ve just stuck five past Brighton and they won’t be dreading this match as much.
Brighton and City also play similar styles, so Sean Dyche probably won’t have to tweak much in terms of his shape and key messages.
The Premier League title is not won yet and anything less than a full-throttle performance could make it a tough afternoon for the leaders.
No rest
Of course, every player in that City squad wants to play every minute of every game.
But competing on all fronts is a blessing and a curse. It’s a packed schedule and even though you want your key players starting every match, it’s not realistic.
Up until they actually get to the ground, there will be a bit of talk about Real Madrid — even though nobody would admit it publicly.
Conversations will go on between the squad and there will be video analysis being done. But once they get to Goodison, all focus turns to Everton.
If you’re Kevin De Bruyne or Erling Haaland and you don’t start on Sunday, you know you’re being rested for Wednesday night — and I think you can accept that.
But no player who starts is going to feel like they are second rate or that Pep doesn’t fancy them. It’s still a huge game.
Gritty Gunners
Arsenal’s win at Newcastle last week keeps the pressure on the champions.
Huge credit to the Gunners. I was really impressed with the way they held firm after the Magpies made a quick start, just like they did when thrashing Tottenham.
They showed resilience and calmness, weathering the storm and taking their chances when they came along.
Not that we should’ve been surprised. They’ve proven themselves as genuine title contenders who can pick up points in a variety of ways.
This weekend’s clash with Brighton will be a different challenge but you know going toe-to-toe with another good footballing side is something they’ll relish.
Speaking of which, time for my weekend predictions.
Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 36 predictions
Leeds vs Newcastle (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)
It was a tough start for Sam Allardyce last week and his side have probably the trickiest run-in of the struggling sides.
Any home game at this stage of the season is winnable, though, and Leeds need a result.
Prediction: Leeds 2-2 Newcastle
Aston Villa vs Tottenham (Saturday, 3pm)
Aston Villa have done exceptionally well under Unai Emery and a strong finish will still give them a huge chance of Europe, despite their recent wobble.
Spurs don’t fill me with confidence so I’ll plump for a narrow home win.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest (Saturday, 3pm)
I reckon Nottingham Forest will stay up if they win this. On form, they have a real chance but their away record is dire.
Chelsea finally got that first win under Frank Lampard last week and this looks a good chance to back it up.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth (Saturday, 3pm)
These teams have already achieved their targets this season, so they should both be able to play with some freedom.
Bournemouth have done really well but I can see Crystal Palace coming out on top.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Bournemouth
Manchester United vs Wolves (Saturday, 3pm)
It was only a couple of weeks ago I said Manchester United looked comfortable in the Champions League race — but not so much now!
It’s still in their hands but they need to get back to it against Wolves or Liverpool will be rubbing their hands.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Wolves
Southampton vs Fulham (Saturday, 3pm)
The writing has long been on the wall for Southampton and even three wins probably wouldn’t be enough to save them now.
I can see their fate being sealed this weekend, to be honest.
Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Fulham
Brentford vs West Ham (Sunday, 2pm)
Three wins is a big ask but it may just be enough to get Brentford back into the mix for Europe.
I’m not sure whether they can pull that off but I think they can beat a West Ham side who probably have their own European campaign on the brain.
Prediction: Brentford 2-1 West Ham
Everton vs Manchester City (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)
I don’t think either of these teams would choose this fixture. It’s clearly a huge ask for Everton and an away trip that City could probably do without.
That said, I expect the champions to have too much quality, even if they do have to dig in a bit.
Prediction: Everton 1-3 Manchester City
Arsenal vs Brighton (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)
This is sure to be a good watch. Two expansive teams looking to play aggressive, front-foot football.
I’ve spoken about Arsenal finding ways to win and I think they may just come out on top.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-2 Brighton
Leicester vs Liverpool (Monday, 8pm, Sky Sports)
This is clearly a tough game but Liverpool’s high line does suit the way Leicester like to create chances.
Sadly for them, the Reds look to be finding top gear and I can only see a comfortable away win.
Prediction: Leicester 0-2 Liverpool
Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill
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