Mark Lawrenson’s Premier League predictions are revealed as we look forward to what will be a busy weekend of top flight football.
The former Preston, Brighton, Liverpool and Ireland footballer, turned Oxford and Peterborough manager, now a BBC Sport ‘football expert’, has given his verdict on who might spring a surprise.
Lawro will make predictions for all 380 top-flight matches this season, so take a look at what he had to say for this batch…
Aston Villa v Leeds
Villa are going great guns, with four wins out of four in the Premier League so far. It’s not just been their results that have been impressive, because they have been playing well too.
But I just fancy Leeds here. I watched them against Wolves on Monday and, although they ended up being beaten, it is clear already this season that, even if they are not playing well, they are competitive and they will give everyone a good game.
Kalvin Phillips is out injured, which is a blow to Leeds because he covers acres and acres for them. But you won’t see anything different from them on Friday – they won’t change the way they play because one of their better players is out.
Lawro’s prediction: 1-2
West Ham v Man City
Manchester City have an amazing record at London Stadium – they have won every time they’ve played there and, in sequence, the scorelines have been 5-0, 4-0, 4-1, 4-0 and 5-0.
I think it will be a different story this time though. I am expecting a much closer game.
West Ham come into the game on the back of their brilliant late comeback to draw with Tottenham, and there seems to be a good vibe around the club at the moment.
City have got a lot of injuries to contend with – Fernandinho is their latest player to be sidelined – and so far this season, they are not looking as slick as usual going forward.
Lawro’s prediction: 1-1
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Fulham have got a point on the board after their draw with Sheffield United last week, but it is hard to make a case for them getting anything from this one.
The Cottagers will probably have more of the ball but I don’t see them breaking Palace down, or keeping the Eagles out at the other end.
Lawro’s prediction: 0-2
Man Utd v Chelsea
Like Manchester United, Chelsea’s biggest problem this season has been at the back.
I watched them against Southampton last weekend and they just capitulated. It has not been a one-off and Blues boss Frank Lampard is probably thinking ‘who the heck do I play there?’
At least Lampard has goalkeeper Edouard Mendy fit for Saturday because, as good as Chelsea are going forward, they cannot defend.
Lawro’s prediction: 2-0
Liverpool v Sheff Utd
With Virgil van Dijk injured, Fabinho played well at centre-back against Ajax on Wednesday night but I think it will be harder for him if he stands in again there on Saturday.
Fabinho will be fine in open play, it is from set-pieces where I’d worry about him. Van Dijk was such a massive influence when it came to defending corners and free-kicks – he basically had a magnet on his head.
Sheffield United will be trying to test Liverpool in those situations, especially with Adrian in goal.
So, I’d back the Blades to score at Anfield and, although I’d back Liverpool to score more, I just think it will be a bit tight.
Mark Lawrenson’s Premier League predictions: 2-1
Southampton v Everton
Everton are still unbeaten but I have a feeling that run ends here.
Southampton are looking more like the side they were in the summer when they finished last season so strongly. Goals are not a problem for them with Danny Ings playing so well.
With Everton, they will have to do things a bit differently in attack while Richarlison is suspended and it is going to be interesting to see what Carlo Ancelotti does while he is out.
Lawro’s prediction: 2-0
Wolves v Newcastle (16:30 GMT)
Wolves were very good at Leeds on Monday. They understood exactly what Leeds were about, and matched them, but looked really dangerous on the counter-attack too.
It was a tight game but Wolves did enough to win it and they are clearly a very good side. I like the way they are set up.
They will probably create more chances on Sunday and I don’t see Newcastle keeping them out.
Lawro’s prediction: 2-0
Arsenal v Leicester
This is a good time for Arsenal to play Leicester, who have lost their past two league matches.
The Foxes still have injury concerns over Jamie Vardy and they will definitely be without a couple of other key players in Caglar Soyuncu and Wilfred Ndidi. I’m going for a Gunners win.
Lawro’s prediction: 2-1
Brighton v West Brom
Brighton’s results have not really reflected the fact they are much better team than they were last season.
They only got a point against Crystal Palace last weekend but we saw in that game that, as well as creating more chances, they are starting to dominate games in midfield.
I’m expecting to see more of the same from them here.
Lawro’s prediction: 2-0
Burnley v Tottenham
I still can’t quite believe how Tottenham threw away a 3-0 lead against West Ham with less than 10 minutes remaining, and only picked up a point.
That just showed how Spurs are still something of an enigma and, as dangerous as they are going forward, they are still vulnerable at the back.
I think Burnley can capitalise, if they take the game to Spurs. The Clarets are getting more and more players back from injury, and I’m backing them to get their first win of the season.
Lawro’s prediction: 2-1
HOW DID LAWRO DO LAST TIME?
Last weekend was another tough one for the pundit. He got three correct results, including one exact score.
How many do you think he will get right this weekend? Let us know in the comments below!
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