Joleon Lescott column: Stevie will G up Villa for his Anfield return

It’s going to be a strange occasion for Steven Gerrard on Saturday when Aston Villa face Liverpool at Anfield.

As one of the Reds’ all-time greats, plotting a way to beat his former side is something he’ll never have expected to do — but these things are all a part of football.

Knowing Stevie’s level of professionalism, I don’t expect him to let the history impact on his match preparation. 

But one thing he has no control over is the ovation Liverpool’s fans will give him — and it’s bound to leave him feeling a little emotional come kick-off.

It’s not a revelation to say Gerrard will probably be Liverpool manager one day. I think everybody expects that to happen at some point, including Stevie himself.

But he’s not the kind of person who’ll rush into anything and I think that day will only come when he believes it’s the right time for his career.

When Jurgen Klopp does move on, I have no doubt the club will approach him but timing really is crucial on these things — and I think he’s excited about the challenge ahead at Villa.

Although I’ve been very impressed with the start he’s made in the West Midlands, I can’t say I’m surprised.

As a person, he’s so driven and sets extremely high standards for himself, as well as demanding the maximum from those around him.

His impact has been instant. Speaking to a few of my family members who are Villa fans, they’ve really enjoyed the way he’s gone about improving things.

But he’ll be under no illusion about the task at hand against Liverpool and Villa will have to be at their very best to get a result.

The Reds needed Divock Origi’s late winner to down Wolves last weekend and what a great asset the Belgian has been for them over the years.

Although he doesn’t feature anywhere near as much as he would like, he doesn’t seem to kick up much of a fuss and always delivers for his manager when called upon.

In many ways, he reminds me of Victor Anichebe during my time at Everton.

Victor was somebody who didn’t always start games but was capable of coming on and making an impact — he seemed to thrive on it. 

Liverpool fans have taken Origi to their hearts and he could have a big role to play when Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane depart for the Africa Cup of Nations later this month.

More twists ahead in tense title battle

I’ve been really impressed by Chelsea this season and I was surprised to see them lose at West Ham last weekend.

But I’m not too concerned by their recent dip.

Individual errors from Jorginho and Edouard Mendy were at the heart of that defeat — and they’re usually two of Thomas Tuchel’s most reliable performers.

I still expect them to get back on track quickly, starting with Saturday’s home clash with Leeds, though injuries are taking their toll.

Even with Chelsea’s impressive squad, this period is the worst time to be missing a cluster of players because games are going to be coming thick and fast.

A knock that would normally keep someone sidelined for a fortnight can result in them missing four or five matches and rest periods are all over the place.

Tuchel is a very rational guy and I’m sure he has things mapped out in his head in terms of how best to approach the coming weeks.

That surprise defeat allowed Manchester City to go top after Pep Guardiola’s men made light work of Watford. 

It was the type of performance we’ve come to expect from City with some outstanding attacking play — and Bernardo Silva stole the show once again. 

The Portuguese wizard has been phenomenal this season and deserves huge credit for the way he has knuckled down after rumours he was set to leave.

For many players, a move being touted but not going through prompts a drop in standards — but it has been the complete opposite for him.

His application and quality have been different class in recent weeks and it’s little wonder his manager has been singing his praises at every opportunity.

While I don’t think any side is going to pull clear this season, City will be hopeful of a strong festive period with the momentum they’ve generated recently.

Pep isn’t one to get too hung up on results. As long as his players are performing as close to their maximum capability as possible every game, he’ll be happy. 

Time for some predictions ahead of another interesting weekend!

Joleon Lescott's Premier League Matchday 16 predictions

Brentford vs Watford (Friday, 8pm, Sky Sports)

A big game at the bottom and I’m going for Watford. Their results have been erratic under Claudio Ranieri but they’ve impressed me going forward recently. 

Prediction: Home win

Manchester City vs Wolves (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)

This is one game I wish could end in a draw! Two teams close to my heart but I think City will probably just edge a low-scoring encounter.

Prediction: Home win

Arsenal vs Southampton (Saturday, 3pm)

It’s been a shaky time for Arsenal after their good run and this is one of those games where anything but a win will see the pressure increase on Mikel Arteta. I think they just get the job done.

Prediction: Home win

Chelsea vs Leeds (Saturday, 3pm)

Leeds’ high-intensity football is a challenge when a team is nursing a few knocks. But I expect Chelsea to put a few recent bad results behind them.

Prediction: Home win

Liverpool vs Aston Villa (Saturday, 3pm)

As mentioned, it will be an emotionally charged atmosphere at Anfield but I don’t think that stops Liverpool. They’ve been brilliant in recent weeks and I fear Stevie’s return will be a tough one.

Prediction: Home win

Norwich vs Manchester United (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)

There was a lot of positive analysis about Manchester United’s performance against Crystal Palace but I’m not getting carried away just yet. However, they should have too much for Norwich.

Prediction: Away win

Burnley vs West Ham (Sunday, 2pm)

What a huge result for the Hammers last weekend. I see them kicking on again now a little bit with momentum behind them. Burnley won’t make it easy but I think the visitors grind out a win.

Prediction: Away win

Leicester vs Newcastle (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)

A big win for Newcastle last weekend but they are still a work in progress under Eddie Howe. Despite inconsistent form, I think the Foxes can make comfortable work of their visitors.

Prediction: Home win

Crystal Palace vs Everton (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)

This is a tough one to call. Palace have been on the end of some narrow losses while Everton got that much-needed win over Arsenal on Monday. I’m going to say a draw.

Prediction: Draw

Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill