MY ACCOUNT
The waiting is finally over as title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal lock horns on Wednesday night — and I’m expecting a classic.
Some will say Mikel Arteta’s men have wilted under the pressure in recent weeks but I think that’s harsh.
The Gunners have been churning out wins at a far greater pace than in previous campaigns and takes its toll on you as a player.
Look around the division. The form of several high-flying sides has plateaued in recent weeks — Arsenal are under scrutiny because they’re chasing the title.
It’s been a gruelling schedule. The fixture list has been compacted, plus they’ve been in Europe and they don’t have a massive squad compared to their rivals.
City also have plenty of players who are experienced in this kind of situation.
Having been in title-winning dressing rooms, it’s not something you necessarily talk about among yourselves.
But looking around you and seeing team-mates who have been there and done it numerous times does instil a calmness.
Let’s be honest, though. Arsenal know they are six wins away from being Premier League champions and they’d have snapped your hand off for that in August.
Key battles
As it stands, Nathan Ake looks set to miss this clash and that news should fill Bukayo Saka with confidence.
Ake has been one of my players of the season and he put in a monumental performance against the Gunners in the FA Cup — that was probably the quietest game I’ve seen Saka have.
When you know somebody has kept you quiet in your last meeting, it does linger on your mind and I’m sure Saka will be quietly thrilled if Ake is unavailable.
Gabriel Jesus is facing his former club and I’m not sure any defender relishes coming up against the Brazilian.
Add in Gabriel Martinelli and you’ve got a front line who will be confident of causing City’s occasionally vulnerable backline problems.
You can’t really call it an advantage, however. City’s frontline is equally devastating, if not better.
I’m also worried about that Arsenal defence, which has been disrupted by the loss of William Saliba.
Not only is the Frenchman a big miss but his defensive partner Gabriel has been well below his usual standards since his mate got injured.
It’s no fault of Rob Holding but when you’ve formed a solid partnership with another defender, it’s really hard to replicate that — and City may well take advantage.
Time for my midweek predictions!
Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 33 predictions
Wolves vs Crystal Palace (Tuesday, 7.30pm, BT Sport)
I was surprised by Wolves’ defeat to Leicester but I expect them to bounce back.
Julen Lopetegui strikes me as a fast learner and although Palace have looked good under Roy Hodgson, I’m leaning towards a home win.
Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Crystal Palace
Aston Villa vs Fulham (Tuesday, 7.45pm, BT Sport)
Fulham’s back-to-back wins certainly make this an interesting clash, especially with Villa’s winning run coming to an end against Brentford.
But they’ve been playing well at home under Unai Emery and I reckon they can bounce back with a win.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Fulham
Leeds vs Leicester (Tuesday, 8pm, BT Sport)
In this kind of game, home advantage can quickly become a disadvantage if you go behind because the fans are naturally feeling very nervous.
I’m still not convinced by how Leeds are approaching games and I’ll back Leicester to edge this one.
Prediction: Leeds 1-2 Leicester
Nottingham Forest vs Brighton (Wednesday, 7.30pm, BT Sport)
Forest look in big trouble and Brighton are not a team you want to be facing when you’re struggling — though Sunday’s FA Cup loss will have hurt them.
Their players looked devastated at full-time and those losses often hang over you, which could work to Forest’s advantage.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Brighton
Chelsea vs Brentford (Wednesday, 7.45pm, BT Sport)
Frank Lampard was looking forward to some time on the training pitch with his Chelsea squad and I hope for his sake it’s had a positive impact.
Brentford always make it a tough test and you’d be surprised if they don’t push the Blues very hard.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Brentford
West Ham vs Liverpool (Wednesday, 7.45pm, BT Sport)
This is a fixture that has produced some entertaining affairs over the years and both have enjoyed morale-boosting wins recently.
The Reds seem to be finding a bit of rhythm and that makes me lean towards them.
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Liverpool
Manchester City vs Arsenal (Wednesday, 8pm, BT Sport)
The worrying thing for Arsenal is I think they’ll have to score three times to beat City — I see the champions scoring at least twice.
Can they do it? Possibly, but my head is telling me the hosts will be too strong.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
Everton vs Newcastle (Thursday, 7.45pm, BT Sport)
Newcastle were amazing against Tottenham but I’m not sure this trip to Goodison Park against a very rigid Everton team suits them as well.
The Toffees are well organised under Sean Dyche and are capable of pushing the Toon close at home.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Newcastle
Southampton vs Bournemouth (Thursday, 7.45pm, BT Sport)
Not only is this a huge game down at the bottom but there’s also a derby element to it, which raises the stakes even higher.
Southampton would arguably be dead and buried with a loss but I’ve got a feeling they will pull a result out of the fire.
Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Bournemouth
Tottenham vs Manchester United (Thursday, 8.15pm, BT Sport)
I’m running out of words for what is going on at Tottenham. It’s shocking to see such a huge club off the pitch in such a huge mess on it.
I might be wrong but it looks like a game where Erik ten Hag’s visitors can pile on more misery.
Prediction: Tottenham 0-2 Manchester United
Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill
