MY ACCOUNT
Antonio Conte could be the difference-maker in the top-four race because he’s so intelligent tactically — despite remaining short on quality in a few key areas at Tottenham.
Arsenal’s narrow win over Wolves means five teams chasing that final Champions League berth are separated by just six points going into the weekend. And I’m sure they all quite fancy their chances of pinching it.
Regular readers will know I picked Tottenham to kick on and nail it down a few weeks ago but back-to-back league defeats have halted their momentum.
I still believe they have it in their hands, although Sunday’s clash with Wolves looks set to be a vital one for both sides.
It was a disappointing January for Spurs and I don’t actually think it was a case of falling short financially this time around — it just seemed like their top targets opted to move elsewhere.
Players like Luis Diaz and Adama Traore want to be playing in the Champions League and they’re far more certain to get the chance at Liverpool and Barcelona than Tottenham, even if minutes are harder to come by.
But Conte will have been frustrated and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him depart North London if the same happens again come the summer.
While Arsenal have a blank weekend due to Chelsea’s Club World Cup commitments, Manchester United and West Ham are both in action.
They’re still involved in Europe and it will be interesting to see if that plays a part in their league campaigns.
I’ve often wondered if this current United side are more suited to a knockout competition like the Champions League than the grind required for a title charge.
We all know they have the players in their ranks to cause anyone problems on their day — it’s just a case of putting it together regularly.
Whatever’s been going on in your league campaign, you can still go deep in Europe. Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea showcased that last season.
Ultimately, however, I think the increased schedule can prove to be a disadvantage when the margins are so fine.
For me, being out of Europe — and having extra time on the training pitch with Conte as a result — just gives Spurs the edge.
Magpies taking flight in relegation scrap
Back-to-back wins have certainly lifted spirits on Tyneside but it’s important Newcastle don’t get too far ahead of themselves.
I thought they had an impressive transfer window in the end. Signing sensible players for their current plight, who have both experience and quality, should serve them well.
But they aren’t out of trouble yet — and judging by his midweek interview, Eddie Howe’s aware of that.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how they get on against Aston Villa on Sunday because you can be sure Steven Gerrard’s side will give them a proper test.
It’ll be a raucous atmosphere again at St James’ Park and that can be a huge advantage when you’re struggling at the bottom.
Talking of good atmospheres, it’s sure to be bouncing when Everton host Leeds on Saturday afternoon.
Frank Lampard looks like a solid appointment for the Toffees and I liked what he had to say about focusing on getting results rather than trying to revolutionise the culture at Goodison Park.
He has spoken at length about the passion of Evertonians and how he wants to make it a tough, intimidating place for opposition sides to visit again.
Though the result against Newcastle wasn’t what they wanted in midweek, their bench looked the strongest I’ve seen it in some time — and that bodes well.
Getting the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dele Alli starting regularly should hugely improve their attacking threat and I expect them to be upwardly mobile soon.
To be honest, the current bottom three are the trio I fear for.
Norwich have been excellent recently and Dean Smith deserves huge credit for the way he’s gone about things since arriving at Carrow Road.
Realistically, though, if they need another 15 to 18 points to survive, I’m not sure where they come from — it certainly won’t be from their next two clashes against Manchester City and Liverpool.
In a similar vein, Watford are going to be harder to beat under Roy Hodgson but I’m not sure he’s the man to turn to when you need to be winning games.
At Crystal Palace, Roy would set them up solidly and then look for Wilfried Zaha to produce a bit of magic.
With star man Ismaila Sarr having spent a long time on the sidelines recently, that could be a tough approach to replicate.
I think Burnley are the side most likely to stage a revival but that’s more down to Sean Dyche’s quality rather than that of his squad.
Three straight draws have seen the Clarets channel some of their classic fight but I still think they’re going to come up a bit short when it comes to the crunch.
It’s time for some predictions!
Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 25 predictions
Manchester United vs Southampton (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)
Southampton seem to raise their game against better sides, as shown in midweek against Spurs. I can’t trust United at the moment, so I’ll plump for the visitors to nick a point.
Prediction: Draw
Brentford vs Crystal Palace (Saturday, 3pm)
Palace aren’t as effective on the road as they are at home but I think they can win this. Zaha’s goal in midweek was sensational and I could see him being the match-winner.
Prediction: Away win
Everton vs Leeds (Saturday, 3pm)
I have to go with my heart on this one. Everton were great at home to Brentford in the FA Cup and Frank will be hoping for more of the same.
Prediction: Home win
Watford vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)
You need to win your home games when you’re down at the bottom but Watford may come up short here. If they score first, they may just hang on but Brighton are no soft touch.
Prediction: Away win
Norwich vs Manchester City (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)
Despite Norwich’s impressive recent form, I can’t see them stopping the leaders. Their win against City a couple of years ago came much earlier in the campaign and I’d be stunned if they repeated the trick.
Prediction: Away win
Burnley vs Liverpool (Sunday, 2pm)
Burnley might make this tougher than the table suggests but I still expect Liverpool to have too much. It may take a moment of magic to unlock the door but the Reds are more than capable of producing it.
Prediction: Away win
Newcastle vs Aston Villa (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)
Villa will travel to St James’ Park expecting to win but it’s not the same Newcastle as a few weeks ago. With their tails up, I can see the hosts running them close and a draw seems about right.
Prediction: Draw
Tottenham vs Wolves (Sunday, 2pm)
A crunch game in the top-four race and I’m just leaning towards Spurs. No result would shock me but you have to expect Conte will have his players fired up after Wednesday’s loss.
Prediction: Home win
Leicester vs West Ham (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)
West Ham need the points but Brendan Rodgers also needs a result given Leicester’s struggles. However, it’s hard to see them putting it all together against a really organised Hammers side.
Prediction: Away win
Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill
