Joleon Lescott expects Thomas Tuchel to benefit from late additions at Chelsea

The transfer window slams shut on Thursday night and I reckon we’re in for a busy end to what has been a very active summer.

Plenty of rumours are still swirling and I know from first-hand experience how quickly moves can develop when the clock is ticking.

Back in 2015, I moved from West Brom to Aston Villa in whirlwind fashion. 

There had been a bit of talk about Villa coming in for me the previous week, but I was being told repeatedly by West Brom that it wasn’t happening.

Then, on the morning of deadline day, I suddenly got the call to say a bid had been accepted and I had to quickly get myself over to Villa’s training ground.

I signed the papers, met my new team-mates and passed my medical in the space of a few hours and that was it — life had changed very quickly!

As a boyhood Villa fan, it was a dream come true for me. Though the outcome of the move was poor, my actual experience of deadline day was a brilliant one.

Even if you’re not the player on the move, it’s exciting to see your team bringing in new faces. 

Back in the day, some players may have been concerned about losing their starting spot to a new signing but that’s not as much of an issue in this era of rotation.

The arrival of anyone that strengthens your squad generally goes down very well — and I’m sure we’ll see a few of those before the window closes.

Erik ten Hag could oversee some outgoing transfer activity at Manchester United before Thursday’s deadline

Plenty of teams will have already completed their business but I expect a handful to be pushing deals through right up to the wire.

Of the supposed big six, Chelsea and Manchester United are the two I’m expecting to be busiest.

The Blues appear to have key targets lined up at centre-back and centre forward. 

Wesley Fofana’s switch from Leicester to Stamford Bridge is proving a tricky one to get over the line, yet I expect it to be completed before the deadline. 

Clearly, the player wants to move and while the two clubs have played hardball over the fee, I think Chelsea will end up giving the Foxes what they want.

Meanwhile, for Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, outgoings may be the priority now that a move for Antony looks to be sealed — though I wouldn’t be surprised if they try for one more big name.

Lower down the table, the likes of Everton and Wolves are desperate to strengthen but also need to ensure they keep hold of their star players.

Bournemouth are another side who could be busy, though who knows what to expect after Scott Parker’s shock departure.

Time for my midweek Premier League predictions. 

Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 5 predictions

Crystal Palace vs Brentford (Tuesday, 7.30pm, BT Sport)

Wilfried Zaha is touch and go for Crystal Palace’s clash with Brentford

I watched Brentford at home to Everton and was impressed by Thomas Frank’s side — they deserved their point.

Crystal Palace gave Manchester City another scare but it should be noted that their goals came from set-pieces, rather than carving the champions open.

This will be close but home advantage could be key for Patrick Vieira’s side.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Brentford

Fulham vs Brighton (Tuesday, 7.30pm, BT Sport)

It’s been a brilliant start for Brighton and they’ll be confident of having the bulk of possession during this trip to West London.

But Fulham are showing themselves to be no soft touch and Aleksandar Mitrovic is in fantastic form, looking like he’s going to score every time he steps out on the pitch.

The Seagulls’ unbeaten start must end soon and it could be here.

Prediction: Fulham 1-0 Brighton 

Source: Livescore