Joleon Lescott column: City win means little if Reds slip up against Hammers

Last Sunday’s 1-0 win over Manchester City felt like a huge moment in Liverpool’s season — but it will mean nothing if they do not back it up against West Ham.

The Reds have always been a team for the big occasions. It will have been easy for them to motivate themselves for the visit of Pep Guardiola’s men.

But it is against the lesser teams that they have had more of their problems this season and a win over the Hammers in midweek would be an important step.

With another packed out Anfield to roar them on, Wednesday night could be the perfect time to follow up on their excellent performance and add consistency to their campaign.

David Moyes’ side have a bit of momentum after picking up seven points from the last nine available and will be no pushovers.

But we all know how much home support plays a part for the Merseysiders. They haven’t lost a home Premier League game in front of fans in five-and-a-half years. 

Mohamed Salah scored an excellent winner against City and now he simply has to continue that form.

With Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz injured and Darwin Nunez still finding his feet in this league, the Egyptian will need to be Liverpool’s talismanic figure once again in the coming weeks.

Of course, that's a role he has had no issue playing in the past.

London calling

Graham Potter has made an excellent start at Chelsea — but I'm not at all surprised by that.

The 47-year-old takes the Blues to Brentford on Wednesday looking to claim his sixth win in seven games since swapping Brighton for Stamford Bridge.

He is clearly a talented manager, who has great ideas and is able to communicate them effectively — that was obvious from his time with the Seagulls.

Now he's implementing those same philosophies with a much higher calibre of squad, so it’s little wonder how impressive they’ve already been!

They relied on a world-class performance from Kepa Arrizabalaga to claim the points at Aston Villa last Sunday but sometimes you need that.

When a goalkeeper has a great game, it's often said to reflect negatively on the team’s overall performance. No one mentions that when a striker scores a hat-trick to win the game for their team.

It’s great to see Mason Mount getting the plaudits he deserves again. The midfielder came in for criticism at the start of the season, which I thought was harsh.

He took both his goals well at Villa and his form bodes well for England ahead of the start of the World Cup next month. 

Anyway, let’s have a look at my predictions for all nine midweek Premier League games.

Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 12 predictions

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest (Tuesday, 7.30pm, Prime Video)

A trip to the Amex to face Brighton looks like another tricky task for bottom-side Nottingham Forest.

There are some signs of improvement at Forest and I was happy to see that Steve Cooper’s contract was extended.

But I’m expecting Roberto De Zerbi to claim his first win in charge of the Seagulls at home.

Prediction: Brighton 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Crystal Palace vs Wolves (Tuesday, 8.15pm, Prime Video)

Managerless Wolves got an important win over Forest last weekend but this game should be a much tougher test.

The Eagles are sitting in a modest 13th place but are a match for anyone at Selhurst Park.

I’m expecting them to narrowly extend their unbeaten run to three games.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Wolves

Bournemouth vs Southampton (Wednesday, 7.30pm, Prime Video)

Bournemouth impressively remain unbeaten in six games since Gary O’Neil became caretaker boss ahead of the visit of Southampton.

The Saints are without a win since August but are a threat when it does come together for them.

Something in me is saying Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men will get the win on the South Coast.

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Southampton

Brentford vs Chelsea (Wednesday, 7.30pm, Prime Video)

This should be a good tactical battle between two excellent managers in Thomas Frank and Potter.

Brentford are another side who are formidable at home and it will be a great test to see how Chelsea are shaping up under their new boss.

The Blues are on a roll at the moment and I think they'll have too much for the Bees.

Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Chelsea

Liverpool vs West Ham (Wednesday, 7.30pm, Prime Video)

West Ham are difficult opponents for anyone under Moyes having gone unbeaten in five games in all competitions.

But Liverpool should have too much for them and I’m backing the Reds for a comfortable win at Anfield.

Theres a good feeling around the place again after a difficult start. I’m expecting that to play its part for this clash.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 West Ham

Newcastle vs Everton (Wednesday, 7.30pm, Prime Video)

Newcastle have a remarkable record at home as they welcome Everton to St James’ Park.

The Magpies are sitting pretty in sixth and will have aims to challenge those above them in the coming weeks.

Everton’s improvement this season has impressed me but Eddie Howe’s men will fancy themselves on Tyneside.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Everton

Manchester United vs Tottenham (Wednesday, 8.15pm, Prime Video)

This should be an entertaining encounter and I think it's one that's tougher for Manchester United than it is for Tottenham.

Things look to be clicking for Spurs, with the players clearly buying into what boss Antonio Conte is trying to achieve.

It's still hard to know which United team will turn up and I think that makes the away team the favourites.

Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Tottenham

Fulham vs Aston Villa (Thursday, 7.30pm, Prime Video)

Fulham’s form has slowed down a little bit but that's to be expected of a promoted team. Their performance overall this campaign has been excellent.

Aston Villa were much improved against Chelsea but ultimately left with nothing. I think Steven Gerrard would swap performance for points at Craven Cottage.

The Villans have endured problems against teams like Fulham this season and I believe a point is as much as they 'll get from this clash.

Prediction: Fulham 2-2 Aston Villa

Leicester vs Leeds (Thursday, 8.15pm, Prime Video)

Both Leicester and Leeds will be desperate to improve their form when they go head-to-head on Thursday night.

Jesse Marsch’s visitors match most sides in terms of energy but are a little bit short in front of goal at the moment.

Leicester have slightly more quality in the final third and that will see them claim the points at the King Power Stadium.

Prediction: Leicester 2-0 Leeds

Joleon Lescott was speaking to Cian Cheesbrough