Joleon Lescott column: Mo way Klopp can leave out Salah again

I'm praying Manchester City's old foes Liverpool do them a favour this weekend when Arsenal head to Anfield.

But being honest, I'm hardly full of confidence. The Reds have been way off it since their thumping win over Manchester United last month.

Jurgen Klopp rung the changes for the 0-0 draw at Chelsea and I was very surprised to see Mohamed Salah among those benched.

Clearly, the team's performance against City was disappointing — but Salah still did his job by scoring.

Even when he's not at his best, Salah carries a huge goal threat. And the way Liverpool are playing at the moment, they need that.

It's not like at City, where Pep Guardiola regularly rotates his forwards. This was just players being dropped.

What will have frustrated Salah is that none of his fellow forwards are banging the goals in. Darwin Nunez, Roberto Firmino, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota are all struggling for consistency.

Even in a rough patch, the Egyptian is still Liverpool's best attacking outlet and I'd be amazed if he's not back in from the start against the Gunners.

No tweaks needed

Arsenal have been blowing teams away in recent weeks and I see no reason why they won't try and do the same to the Reds.

Mikel Arteta has created an environment within the Arsenal dressing room where his players are always free to express themselves. So why change now?

If they play the way they've been playing, they'll be confident of picking holes in a team clearly low on confidence.

Imagine if Arsenal score early on Sunday. That's going to make it a very difficult environment for the home players as they try to recover in front of a nervous and agitated crowd.

Liverpool fans haven't experienced struggles for a few seasons, so the Gunners will be hoping they can take advantage of the uneasy atmosphere.

Arteta may see fit to tweak his approach a bit against City later this month but I think Arsenal let Liverpool worry about them on Sunday.

Magpies flying

Newcastle have had an unbelievable week, getting a huge win over Manchester United before smashing West Ham on Wednesday.

That's Eddie Howe's men back up to third and you'd have to say Howe is in the conversation for Manager of the Year if they do go on to seal a top-four spot.

Personally, I think it's an award that should go to whoever wins the title.

But none of us expected Howe to have his men challenging the top sides so quickly and it's nice to see the players giving something back to the club's amazing fans.

Not only do they make a fantastic atmosphere at St James' Park but they travel so well. It's always a bit crazy seeing Geordies topless in the stands on a rainy night in London!

They've got that depth you need in the season's final weeks — particularly in attack, where both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson are in terrific form. 

If you're playing in a team where you've got a few different forwards in good scoring form, it just gives you so much confidence.

Anyway, time for my weekend predictions!

Joleon Lescott's Premier League Matchday 30 predictions

Manchester United vs Everton (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)

Sean Dyche is getting a tune out of Everton now and I'm sure the fans will be enjoying how difficult they've become to beat.

They should give United a tough afternoon but I think the home side's class may just tell in the end.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Everton

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest (Saturday, 3pm)

Aston Villa are playing well but they've been impressive on the road under Unai Emery, where Ollie Watkins is having the time of his life.

You'd still fancy them to have too much for Nottingham Forest, who are really struggling away from home this season.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Brentford vs Newcastle (Saturday, 3pm)

Newcastle's players won't be overawed by the atmosphere at Brentford but this will still be a tough test for them.

The Bees seem to be playing with a freedom and enjoying themselves but I think their in-form visitors may snatch the points.

Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Newcastle

Fulham vs West Ham (Saturday, 3pm)

David Moyes needs a result. If this doesn't go well, it will probably be the end for my old boss at West Ham.

Without Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham are beatable. I think the Hammers may pull that big result out and save Moyesy's skin.

Prediction: Fulham 1-2 West Ham

Leicester vs Bournemouth (Saturday, 3pm)

I think I've been underestimating just how bad things have got at Leicester — they're really in a dog fight now!

However, I'm still not sure about sacking Brendan Rodgers and Bournemouth are an unpredictable outfit who may be able to take advantage of an unsettling period.

Prediction: Leicester 0-1 Bournemouth

Tottenham vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)

Brighton will firmly believe they can go to Tottenham and win — and I don't think many people would be surprised by that result.

But Spurs like playing teams they can sit in against and hit on the counter-attack. For that reason, I'll edge for a home win.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Brighton

Wolves vs Chelsea (Saturday, 3pm)

Bringing in Frank Lampard could be Todd Boehly's best move yet in terms of repairing the relationship with Chelsea's fans, while also buying him some time to find the right man long-term.

I thought it was an improved performance from the Blues against Liverpool and I'll plump for an away win, as much as it pains me to say it. 

Prediction: Wolves 0-2 Chelsea

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

Southampton beat City in the Carabao Cup earlier this season but I don't think there's any chance of a repeat.

The visitors are in their best form for some time and I expect them to put in another dominant performance at St Mary's.

Prediction: Southampton 0-3 Manchester City

Leeds vs Crystal Palace (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)

Both sides know a victory in this contest would be a huge step towards Premier League safety.

I could see it ending level but home advantage makes me lean the way of Leeds.

Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Crystal Palace

Liverpool vs Arsenal (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)

Liverpool are going to have to score a minimum of two goals to win this game because I don't see them keeping Arsenal out. 

I may be letting my heart rule my head here but I'm going to say Klopp's men get a point.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal

Joleon Lescott was talking to Matthew Hill

Win big with LiveScore 6

Fancy winning up to £100,000?

Simply predict six correct scores from the weekend action for your chance to win, with consolation prizes also on offer if you go close.

Play LiveScore 6 for free this weekend (18+, UK only). Click here for details on how to get involved.