MY ACCOUNT
Only one of Everton, Leicester and Leeds can survive on Sunday — and I’m backing my old club to scramble over the line.
Not only do the Toffees have control of their own destiny, I think they have the most attractive fixture out of the three sides in trouble.
All of them will be delighted to be at home, naturally. But if you were picking one of Tottenham, West Ham and Bournemouth to face, you’d pick the Cherries.
To be fair, Gary O’Neil’s men have pulled off some huge results this season against far more impressive sides than Everton.
But that was before they were safe.
They head to Goodison Park having lost three in a row. And while they have little to lose, Everton’s players should surely be able to trump them for desire and will to win given what’s at stake.
It will be tight. It will be nervy. But if you’d have offered Sean Dyche this when he came in — beating Bournemouth at home to secure safety — I think he’d have settled for it.
Floundering Foxes
You look at some of the players Leicester have and wonder how on earth they’ve got in this position.
I never expected them to be in relegation trouble back in August, though with hindsight, there were definitely a few concerning signs.
The way Kasper Schmeichel was allowed to leave the club for peanuts without an adequate replacement being signed was a really strange move.
Regardless of his ability or age, he was a huge presence in that dressing room with vast experience and leadership qualities.
When you go on rotten streaks of form, it’s those kind of players you need in your camp to keep spirits up and drive everyone forward.
The Foxes could have worse fixtures than West Ham, given David Moyes’ men may have their minds on their European final.
Sadly for them, though, I don’t see it being enough.
Sam old story
Sam Allardyce always had his work cut out with a four-game window to try and save Leeds.
Though he’ll be telling those players to just do their job and see what happens, they need a minor miracle to survive.
I think Leeds have fallen down through a lack of experience, putting too much emphasis on the future.
It’s all well and good wanting to buy young talent to develop. But when you’re struggling, you need people who have been there and done it.
Which players in that dressing room have 100 Premier League appearances? Many of them don’t even have 50.
Everton’s squad probably has less star quality but Dyche has been able to lean on experience — and it may end up being the decisive factor.
Anyway, for the final time this season, here are my predictions!
Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 38 predictions
Arsenal vs Wolves (Sunday, 4.30pm)
You never know what you’re going to get on the last day — especially when both sides have nothing to play for.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Wolves get a result, though that could be my heart talking!
Prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Wolves
Aston Villa vs Brighton (Sunday, 4.30pm)
Both teams will be absolutely thrilled with their campaigns, especially given the challenges they faced earlier in the season.
You’d imagine this will be an entertaining affair and I reckon a few goals are on the cards.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton
Brentford vs Manchester City (Sunday, 4.30pm)
Brentford are always dangerous but I think Pep Guardiola has made it clear the title celebrations are over for the champions.
They have two huge games coming up and I think they’ll want to go into that Manchester United FA Cup clash in the best frame of mind possible.
Prediction: Brentford 1-3 Manchester City
Chelsea vs Newcastle (Sunday, 4.30pm)
The fact I’m debating whether Chelsea can cause Newcastle problems sums up how bad things have become at Stamford Bridge.
Eddie Howe’s Toon have had a brilliant season but I can see them rotating and perhaps the Blues can take advantage in Frank Lampard’s farewell fixture.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest (Sunday, 4.30pm)
I’m sure both sets of fans were worrying about this game a couple of months ago but thankfully it’s going to be a very relaxed occasion now!
Forest are fully deserving of their top-flight status but I fear they’ll come up short in the capital.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Everton vs Bournemouth (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)
As I’ve said, Everton have it in their own hands and I’m confident they’ll get the job done at Goodison.
It may well pan out that they don’t even need a result but you don’t want to be leaving anything to chance.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Bournemouth
Leeds vs Tottenham (Sunday, 4.30pm, BT Sport)
Many seem to think Leeds will win this. I get that Spurs’ form hasn’t been great but the Whites haven’t exactly been flying themselves, have they?!
Their defence will be given a stern test from the visiting forwards and I’m sorry to say I think they come up short.
Prediction: Leeds 0-2 Tottenham
Leicester vs West Ham (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)
To me, the Foxes are the most likely to put the pressure on Everton — especially given West Ham may make changes ahead of their Europa Conference League final.
However, the hosts have flattered to deceive all season and it would dent morale around the ground if Dyche’s Toffees score early.
Prediction: Leicester 1-1 West Ham
Manchester United vs Fulham (Sunday, 4.30pm)
Erik ten Hag will be satisfied with his first season at Old Trafford. Two finals, one trophy in the bag already and his side are back in the Champions League.
I’m sure they’ll be keen to end their league season on a high and Fulham have lacked consistency in recent months.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Fulham
Southampton vs Liverpool (Sunday, 4.30pm)
The Saints have long been resigned to their fate and I don’t see this being a happy ending to their Premier League stay.
Liverpool have been more like their old selves recently, in terms of results at least, and this has the look of a convincing away win for me.
Prediction: Southampton 0-3 Liverpool
Joleon Lescott was talking to Matthew Hill
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