Mark Lawrenson’s Premier League predictions (26-28 September)

Mark Lawrenson’s Premier League predictions are finally revealed as we look forward to what will be a busy weekend of 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…

Brighton v Man Utd

Brighton got an excellent win at Newcastle last week. Just as they did against Chelsea in their first game, they created plenty of chances, which is a really good sign of how they have progressed since last season. They look a lot more dangerous.

United are under pressure already but I think their defeat at home by Crystal Palace will act as the kick up the backside they need. I’d be surprised if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side do not produce a much better performance this time.

Lawro’s prediction: 0-2

Crystal Palace v Everton

It is two wins out of two for both of these sides so far, and they have both scored a few goals as well.

It is clear that Everton have upgraded their team with their summer signings – James Rodriguez has got a bit of class – and, up front, Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are a handful.

But I am going to go for a draw here. Palace have shown they have got a decent goal threat of their own but Eagles boss Roy Hodgson will make sure they are solid in this one. He always does.

When you play against a Hodgson team, you just feel like there is no space to operate in. Rodriguez is still good enough to find some, of course, but I still don’t think Everton will get as many chances here as they did in their wins over Tottenham and West Brom.

Lawro’s prediction: 1-1

West Brom v Chelsea

Chelsea’s defeat by Liverpool last week was a bit of a reality check for them. Frank Lampard’s side looked pretty ordinary at times, and it was a reminder of where they are at – he is still trying to work out what his best team is, with all their new signings.

We also saw, again, that Chelsea’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is not good enough – he makes too many mistakes, which is why they have gone out and signed Edouard Mendy this week.

Whoever is in goal for them at The Hawthorns, Chelsea will surely bring in Thiago Silva at the back for his first league game – but I don’t see West Brom causing the Blues many problems anyway.

The Baggies have lost their first two games, and conceded eight goals already. Things are not going to be any easier this time, but the only thing I would say in their defence is that in Leicester, Everton and now Chelsea, they have started their season by playing three teams who will probably finish in the top eight.

It has been a very tough start for Slaven Bilic’s side, so there is no need to panic if they are still without a point after this game. We will find out more about them when they play teams who are likely to be around them near the bottom of the table.

Lawro’s prediction: 0-2

Burnley v Southampton

I am a bit surprised by the way Southampton have started the season with two defeats, especially the way they were taken apart by Tottenham last time out.

Saints looked full of confidence with the way they finished last season, but there is a risk all of that could be knocked out of them very early on.

Burnley also began by losing – against Leicester, after being ahead, but they showed plenty of fight. The Clarets have some injury problems to contend with, but I’d still back them to edge this.

Lawro’s prediction: 2-1

Sheffield Utd v Leeds

Leeds are up and running points-wise after seeing off Fulham last week and I think this will be another rock-and-roll type game with lots of chances, and lots of tackling too.

Both teams like to get stuck in, and this is going to be a good game to watch.

Sheffield United have no goals or points so far, but I think they will at least put the first part of that problem right in this game.

Lawro’s prediction: 1-2

Tottenham v Newcastle

Both of these sides have had one very good performance and result in the Premier League so far this season – and one very bad one too.

I’m going for Tottenham here, though. They have got to wait for Gareth Bale to get fit, but even without him they showed last week against Southampton that they have got a big attacking threat.

Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane both feed off goals and, after they combined so well against Saints, I’d expect more of the same this time.

Lawro’s prediction: 2-0

Man City v Leicester

Manchester City got the job done against Wolves on Monday, in what was a tricky opener for them.

Leicester have won two out of two so far but the injured Wilfred Ndidi is going to be a big miss for them at the back, where he has been filling in for them.

Lawro’s prediction: 3-0

West Ham v Wolves

Wolves will feel they deserved something out of their game against Manchester City and, if they create as many chances as they did in that game, I don’t think they will end up empty-handed again this time.

West Ham need a win but they will have to try to get one without their manager David Moyes, who is self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus. He should still be able to speak to his players before kick-off via a video-call though.

The Hammers were actually pretty decent in defeat against Arsenal last weekend, but I think a draw would be a good result for them here.

Lawro’s prediction: 1-1

Fulham v Aston Villa

Fulham have lost their first two league matches and shipped seven goals already, so this is a game they will be thinking they have to get something out of.

Aston Villa will fancy it too, though. They made a confident start against Sheffield United, with a win and a clean sheet, and I’m going to go with them to carry on in that kind of form at Craven Cottage.

Lawro’s prediction: 1-2

Liverpool v Arsenal

Thiago Alcantara came into the Liverpool side for his debut against Chelsea and bossed things without even having a sweat on. He looked quite a player.

I’d expect the Reds to dominate possession in this game too, and I still worry about Arsenal when they don’t have the ball.

Yes, the Gunners beat Liverpool in July, but that was just after Jurgen Klopp’s side had clinched the title.

I wouldn’t take anything from that game as a suggestion Arsenal could do it again because Liverpool were not playing at anything like 100%. They will be this time, though.

Lawro’s prediction: 2-0