ЕКСКЛУЗИВНО

Joleon Lescott column: Reds in hot pursuit as top-four race reaches climax

Joleon Lescott

LiveScore

In-form Liverpool host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday

A few weeks ago, I gave Liverpool no chance of sneaking into the top four — but now I would not rule it out.

After a difficult season overall, the Reds have clicked back into the kind of scintillating form that had them challenging for titles on a regular basis in previous years.

They have recorded seven straight wins and their upturn in fortunes does not surprise me at all.

Over the last five years, Jurgen Klopp's men are the only team that have shown the capability to match Manchester City's imperious levels.

I previously did not think Newcastle and Manchester United would drop enough points to give them a chance of Champions League football however.

Both have shown some shakiness as the season reaches its climax but the Toon gave their hopes a massive boost with that win excellent win over Brighton.

If I am honest, the Magpies are probably the team I'm hoping do stay in there.

That is partly from a City perspective and them likely not being as strong in the competition at this early stage of their development under Eddie Howe.

But also it would also be great to see Champions League nights come to St James' Park.

Newcastle have a healthy four-point advantage in the top-four race after beating Brighton 4-1

They have been in the top four for most of the season, so to fall short now would be a disappointment for them.

There is an expectation around the club now and so far the players and manager have dealt with that perfectly.

As the pressure cranks up in the final few games, I wondered whether the fact that Liverpool and United have been in this position before might just give them the edge.

But after that impressive victory over the Seagulls, supporters might now start dreaming of Europe's elite competition returning to Tyneside.

United have had their slip-ups recently too, particularly away from home, with two straight defeats on the road.

But out of the three, I think they have the most winnable games. They start with a trip to already safe Bournemouth before home clashes with mid-table Chelsea and Fulham.

Trent tweak paying off

Trent Alexander-Arnold is enjoying a productive spell in a new advanced role

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a huge reason for Liverpool's strong form during the run-in, with the right-back thriving in a new role in Klopp's side.

The 24-year-old still starts as right-back but is being allowed to get on the ball in an advanced positions more often while having less responsibility in a defensive aspect.

That's always going to result in a more effective attacking player and six assists and a goal in his last eight games is proof of that.

Many are saying that Alexander-Arnold's future lies in midfield but I'm not sure that's the case. He is one of the best full-backs around, so I don't see why they'd force him into a different position.

He is still operating as a full-back but venturing into the midfield areas.

If he was starting in the centre from the off, you might not see him make as much of an impact as he currently is.

Anyway, let's get stuck into my predictions for the penultimate weekend of action.

Joleon Lescott's Premier League Matchday 37 predictions

Tottenham vs Brentford (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)

Tottenham's miserable season continued at Aston Villa last weekend and while they have been slightly better at home, I think Brentford could cause them plenty of issues.

Thomas Frank has the Bees exceptionally well drilled and they are a match for any team in the division. In contrast, Spurs look rudderless so I am predicting an away win here.

Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Brentford

Bournemouth vs Manchester United (Saturday, 3pm)

Erik ten Hag will be desperate to bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford

Safety is secured for Bournemouth after a fantastic season. United still have work to do and I think that gives them the advantage in this clash.

The focus Erik ten Hag's men have on sealing their return to the Champions League should see them through.

Prediction: Bournemouth 0-2 Manchester United

Fulham vs Crystal Palace (Saturday, 3pm)

Fulham's home clash with Crystal Palace is a tough one to call, with the hosts enjoying the better season overall but the visitors in excellent form under Roy Hodgson.

Both sides have achieved what they set out to this term, so it should be an entertaining clash in West London.

Prediction: Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace

Liverpool vs Aston Villa (Saturday, 3pm)

We have touched on Liverpool's form but they still have vulnerabilities and no side would want to come up against Unai Emery's Villa right now.

My heart is backing a win for the Villans but given it is at Anfield, I will listen to my head and go for the Reds to get the job done.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Aston Villa

Wolves vs Everton (Saturday, 3pm)

Everton head to Wolves with their Premier League status still in the balance

Two of my old clubs face off at Molineux but it is a much bigger clash for those of an Everton persuasion compared to Wolves.

A win for the Toffees would go a long way to sealing their top-flight status but I have a sneaky feeling Julen Lopetegui's men will claim another home win.

Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Everton

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)

Arsenal's defeat to Brighton will have been a crushing blow for Mikel Arteta and it doesn't get much easier with a trip to a Nottingham Forest side who are fighting for their lives.

Steve Cooper's men have picked up some impressive results at the City Ground it would not surprise me to see the Gunners drop more points here.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Arsenal

West Ham vs Leeds (Sunday, 1.30pm, Sky Sports)

Sam Allardyce's bid to keep Leeds in the Premier League continues at former club West Ham and it feels like a game the Whites have to win to stand any chance.

I don't see the Yorkshire side doing it, the Hammers have found their rhythm during the last few games and I think they will have too much for the visitors.

Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Leeds

Brighton vs Southampton (Sunday, 2pm)

Southampton's relegation is confirmed and while sometimes you see teams play with a bit more freedom in these circumstances, I think it will have hit their young squad hard.

I make Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton heavy favourites for this clash.

Prediction: Brighton 3-0 Southampton

Manchester City vs Chelsea (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)