MY ACCOUNT
Sunday’s showdown between Newcastle and Tottenham may well prove decisive in the top-four race — and I really fancy the Toon to come out on top.
They come into this game in fantastic form. And on their own patch, you just know they’ll be relishing the occasion.
Getting into the Champions League would be a serious achievement by Eddie Howe and you’d have to say Newcastle are well ahead of schedule in terms of their long-term vision.
Does that mean Howe will be under more pressure next season? Possibly, but I’d like to think the club’s owners would show some grace if things did take a bad turn.
A new level of player is going to be interested in joining this summer if they’re in the Champions League and the manager will play a big part in that recruitment drive.
Players will be impressed by what Eddie has achieved and the way he plays, so if they sign for Newcastle, playing under him will be a big part of their thinking.
That alone should be good reason to stick with him if results do dip.
Shaky Spurs
In many ways, Spurs deserve credit for still being in the top-four mix amid what has felt like a really poor campaign.
Looking at things now, after that Bournemouth defeat, it’s easy to say that giving Cristian Stellini the job until the end of the season was a mistake — but I think that’s with the benefit of hindsight.
Stellini did well during a short period when Antonio Conte was ill and the fact he already knows the playing squad made giving him the role a fairly attractive choice.
If Spurs are being honest, though, they’d surely have hoped to have a permanent appointment in place by now.
A multitude of different managers was seemingly available and keen. But for whatever reason, they haven’t got their man — and that could prove a costly mistake.
If they do miss out on the Champions League, does that put some managers off? And just as importantly, will Harry Kane want to stick around?
Good Kompany
I’ve seen my old team-mate Vincent Kompany linked with the Spurs job in some quarters this week.
I don’t want to speculate on his future but I must say the suggestion does make sense for me.
When you look at the brand of football he’s instilled at Burnley, how good they are to watch and where he is in his managerial journey, it’s obvious why Spurs would be interested.
They probably wouldn’t want to admit it but I’d be amazed if Tottenham aren’t looking at what Mikel Arteta has achieved at Arsenal and thinking that Vinny could do similar for them.
We’re seeing more and more coaches who have worked closely with Pep Guardiola emerging as fantastic managers in their own right — Arteta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Vinny, to name just a few.
It’s proving to be a winning formula. Given Vinny’s leadership qualities as well, it’s inevitable he’s going to achieve special things as a boss.
Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 32 predictions
Arsenal vs Southampton (Friday, 8pm, Sky Sports)
This looks straightforward on paper for Arsenal and I believe it’s going to pan out exactly that way.
Southampton’s confidence is on the floor and it’s the perfect game for the Gunners to bounce back in.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Southampton
Fulham vs Leeds (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)
I’m expecting Leeds to try and make themselves hard to beat after leaking goals in their last couple of games.
Fulham snapped a bad losing streak last week but I could see this one ending level.
Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Leeds
Brentford vs Aston Villa (Saturday, 3pm)
Brentford’s form has dipped and I feel the expectations on them may have had an impact on results.
Aston Villa are the form team in the Premier League and I can see another big win for Unai Emery’s men.
Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Aston Villa
Crystal Palace vs Everton (Saturday, 3pm)
Sean Dyche will look to ensure Everton try and keep things tight and grow into the game slowly.
But I feel Crystal Palace have that extra bit of quality, especially in the middle of the park. They may just nick this.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Everton
Leicester vs Wolves (Saturday, 3pm)
Another win for Wolves would just about leave them safe and they must fancy their chances here.
Leicester have reached that stage where they desperately need wins but I think they may fall short.
Prediction: Leicester 1-2 Wolves
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest (Saturday, 3pm)
Liverpool can dismantle teams in 15 minutes at Anfield, so Nottingham Forest must try to stay in this game early.
If they do lose, it’s important they don’t get absolutely hammered. That would really damage their confidence.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Bournemouth vs West Ham (Sunday, 2pm)
A very tight contest in store here. I think Bournemouth are probably better when there’s not actually much expectation for them to win.
West Ham aren’t losing many games now and they can leapfrog the Cherries with a victory.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 West Ham
Newcastle vs Tottenham (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)
You could argue that being able to be a bit more conservative will suit Spurs but I still worry about them defensively.
They have real frailties at the back and I can see Newcastle taking advantage in front of a raucous crowd.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham
Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill
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