MY ACCOUNT
Graham Potter will be relishing getting stuck in at Chelsea — but he’ll need more than entertaining football to be a success at Stamford Bridge.
I’m really pleased he has been give the opportunity to shine at the highest level, even if I was shocked to see Thomas Tuchel given the boot.
Potter’s brand of football has been attractive and exciting to watch at Brighton, while every other coach in the division only seems to speak highly of him.
Structurally, you can see the logic. The new Blues owners clearly want a head coach who is solely focused on coaching the team and that’s exactly how he’ll want to operate.
It goes without saying, though, it’s a whole new level of pressure for the ex-Seagulls boss to adapt to.
I say it often to friends and some of the younger players I work with — there is a difference between wanting to win and needing to win.
Dealing with that level of expectation is what makes elite players and managers so special and I’m expecting Potter to be up to the task.
Given how respected he is tactically and that he’s now working with a higher level of players, there may even be a bit of fear from the other top teams.
If he can get that talented Chelsea squad executing his methods and ideas quickly, nobody will want to go to Stamford Bridge.
Player power
Though recent results have been bad, it’s still a changing room packed with superstars at Chelsea.
To be at the top, you must have a certain level of ego, even if some players don’t want to admit it!
However, top pros also know it’s crucial to give a level of respect to their coach regardless of their background — so I don’t see big names causing him any trouble.
The main thing Potter needs is for the group to buy into his ideas because a lot of them are Tuchel’s signings.
Players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling were very much expecting to be working with the German but now have to unite behind the new boss.
I even wonder if the Chelsea owners were a little bit clever with the timing of all this.
Do Aubameyang and Sterling sign if Potter was in charge? Do Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana complete their moves?
Without disrespecting the new boss, his predecessor appeared to have a lot of pulling power in terms of bringing new faces into the club.
This may just have been an astute bit of business practice from Chelsea’s new chiefs.
Joleon Lescott’s Matchday 7 Premier League predictions
Fulham vs Chelsea (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)
Forgetting all the managerial upheaval, this is a Chelsea side that have lost their last three away games in all competitons, so Fulham will fancy causing an upset.
The hosts have been impressive in their own right and the form book is certainly pointing to a home win.
However, factoring in Potter’s arrival and the fact Chelsea need to stop the rot, I’ll go for a draw.
Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Chelsea
Bournemouth vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)
It’s easy to forget how much Brighton will be rocked by losing their manager, with Adam Lallana and Andrew Crofts taking charge for this clash.
For Bournemouth, however, it presents them with a huge opportunity to take advantage.
They are also managerless but have more structure in place currently than the visitors.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Brighton
Leicester vs Aston Villa (Saturday, 3pm)
A massive game for both sides and their respective managers, with confidence particularly low in the home camp.
I’ve actually gone beyond the point of expecting Leicester to turn things around — I think they’re in for a season of struggle as things stand.
It’s difficult to pick either side with confidence but I’m leaning towards Villa.
Prediction: Leicester 1-2 Aston Villa
Liverpool vs Wolves (Saturday, 3pm)
Liverpool had another tough night in Naples in midweek and I was intrigued to hear Jurgen Klopp talk afterwards about wholesale changes.
It sounds like he’s thinking about tweaking not only the personnel but also the style of play, which could have an interesting impact in the initial days and weeks ahead.
That said, I’m expecting them to have too much for Wolves.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Wolves
Southampton vs Brentford (Saturday, 3pm)
Both sides have had some great results in recent weeks but also have shown inconsistencies we come to expect from mid-table teams.
I’d probably just lean towards the Saints with home advantage, especially if they play like they did recently against Chelsea.
It’s not one I’m confident on but I’ll go for a home win.
Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Brentford
Manchester City vs Tottenham (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)
I’m nervous for this game! I know what Antonio Conte is like in these kinds of situations and he’s not travelling to the Etihad to play City off the park.
He’ll be happy if Spurs can get a draw. And sometimes when teams go to nick a point, they end up taking all three.
I can’t remember the last time I didn’t predict the Citizens to win, but today is the day!
Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Tottenham
Arsenal vs Everton (Sunday, 2pm)
Jordan Pickford was outstanding against Liverpool and his absence is bound to hurt Everton, though I was pleased to see Idrissa Gueye return — he’ll make a big difference if fit this season.
Arsenal may have lost to Manchester United but I thought Gabriel Jesus was unplayable at times and I think he’ll cause the Toffees real issues.
The more physical they make it, the more he’ll enjoy himself.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Everton
West Ham vs Newcastle (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)
Newcastle probably deserve to have more points on the board than they currently do but Eddie Howe will be really pleased with their start.
The Hammers have also been much improved in their last two outings so it’s a tricky contest to call.
David Moyes’ men were brilliant against Tottenham and I reckon they can follow it up.
Prediction: West Ham 1-0 Newcastle
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)
Manchester United’s performances have been really good but it’s all been about counter-attacking — and Palace are the masters of playing on the break.
It makes it a different task for United and I’m expecting a rowdy atmosphere inside Selhurst Park.
Another United win wouldn’t surprise me but I’m going to go for a draw.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-2 Manchester United
Leeds vs Nottingham Forest (Monday, 8pm, Sky Sports)
Forest will be absolutely reeling from giving up a two-goal lead at home to Bournemouth — the kind of game they simply must win.
Leeds got a bit of a thumping from Brighton but prior to that had been very impressive and you’d expect a response.
Jesse Marsch’s men have looked a different beast at home, so I’ll go for them.
Prediction: Leeds 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill
