Joleon Lescott's Premier League Matchday 31 predictions

My confidence in Manchester City finally turning this brilliant title race around is starting to look justified.

I've been saying it for weeks but City are playing at the highest level we've seen in years — and now it's back in their hands.

Arsenal's draw at Anfield means if the champions win their remaining games, they win the title. And you wouldn't bet against them doing so, would you?

Even I was surprised by the way they swept Bayern Munich aside in midweek and it's hard to see struggling Leicester causing many problems at the Etihad on Saturday.

Jumping Jack

One City player who has taken his game to another level is Jack Grealish. 

Since the World Cup, he's been one of his side's most dangerous attackers — something that may have coincided with Joao Cancelo's exit.

Cancelo used to get a lot of joy taking up the same positions Jack wants to occupy, which perhaps made it difficult for him.

Nathan Ake has been absolutely exceptional this season and I think he recognises what Jack is good at and just lets him do it.

Jack's key output is goals and assists and he's getting them now, which is filling him with confidence.

Anyone who has played professionally will tell you confidence makes you feel invincible. Long may that continue for Jack and City.

Gunning for glory

While I think City will ultimately come out on top when all is said and done, Arsenal won't go down easily.

Their consistency has impressed. Even when they've played poorly, they've still been grinding out results — something that's always key in a title race.

When they play well, they're capable of blowing teams away. But you aren't always going to be at your best throughout a season.

I was sceptical whether they were going to be able to maintain their start, especially when Gabriel Jesus got injured. 

But Eddie Nketiah deputised expertly and the rest of the squad adapted to the situation. Credit must go to Mikel Arteta for that.

I always believed he had the knowledge to be a world-class coach, though I must admit I didn't expect him to achieve so much so quickly.

Like City, I don't foresee a slip-up this weekend when the Gunners head to West Ham.

On that note, time for some predictions!

Joleon Lescott's Premier League Matchday 31 predictions

Aston Villa vs Newcastle (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)

What a great way to start the weekend! Two teams who are both flying and full of confidence.

Newcastle have really impressed me but I have to go with Aston Villa the way they're playing. 

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle

Chelsea vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)

This is an important game for Chelsea's underperforming players, who are starting to come in for some pretty fierce criticism.

Brighton may be rocked by Levi Colwill being ineligible against his parent club, so I'll go for the spoils to be shared.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Brighton

Everton vs Fulham (Saturday, 3pm)

Fulham's season has completely derailed but they're already safe from relegation, so I suppose they'd have settled for that back in August.

This presents Everton with a great chance to get a vital win at home and I think they'll do just that.

Prediction: Everton 2-1 Fulham

Southampton vs Crystal Palace (Saturday, 3pm)

That was an impressive win for Crystal Palace last weekend and all those goals will have done wonders for team morale.

Southampton don't lack spirit but are low on belief, so I'll go for Palace to repeat the trick.

Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Crystal Palace

Tottenham vs Bournemouth (Saturday, 3pm)

Bournemouth shouldn't be overlooked — they've had some fantastic results in recent months.

Yet I do think Tottenham will have too much for them at home. It might not be pretty but I'll opt for a home win.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Bournemouth

Wolves vs Brentford (Saturday, 3pm)

If Wolves can follow up last weekend's win over Chelsea, I think that'll be enough to ease any lingering relegation fears.

It won't come easy against Brentford but the Bees are looking more vulnerable than they did earlier in the campaign.

Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Brentford

Manchester City vs Leicester (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)

Dean Smith has come in at Leicester this week but you wouldn't be picking this one in terms of a first game!

I just can't see anything other than a convincing City win.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Leicester

West Ham vs Arsenal (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)

That was a huge win at Fulham for West Ham and, like Wolves, another victory here would be monumental for their survival prospects.

But I don't see it. Arsenal should be able to cause a shaky home defence plenty of problems.

Prediction: West Ham 1-3 Arsenal

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)

I can see a big upset here. Forest are a different beast at home and I fancy their chances.

Manchester United are missing Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez and it just has the look of a shock result to me.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Manchester United 

Leeds vs Liverpool (Monday, 8pm, Sky Sports)

Leeds were really poor last week against Palace and are still far from safe.

I have to go with Liverpool. If they are anywhere near where they were against Arsenal, they'll have too much for the hosts. 

Prediction: Leeds 0-2 Liverpool

Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill

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