Former Anfield defender Mark Lawrenson looks ahead to Saturday’s Premier League fixture between Everton and Liverpool…
Ex-Reds centre-back Mark Lawrenson is again sharing his thoughts on Premier League and FA Cup fixtures with the BBC throughout this season.
As in previous years, we will be filtering Lawro’s ramblings each week to bring you his thoughts and predictions on games involving Liverpool.
This weekend sees the 224th Merseyside derby take place as the Reds make the short trip across Stanley Park to face Everton at Goodison.
Both sides have underachieved compared to expectations this season but Liverpool are in good form and will expect to extend their recent dominance of the fixture.
Here’s what Lawro has to say about the game in full…
“Unlike the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, which finished 3-3, I think this game will be tight and tense.
“It will still be absolutely frenetic but I think both sides will look it as a game it is important not to lose.
“Everton are still at the wrong end of the table even after beating Crystal Palace last week, and the last thing they need is to be beaten at home by Liverpool.
“Liverpool’s improvement in recent weeks is down to the amount of pace they now have in their team and the last thing Everton will want to do is to pile forward and leave themselves open to counter-attacks.
“A point would do them very well, and I think it is the same for Liverpool, even though they are in much better form.
“They look a completely different side and if they can keep Daniel Sturridge fit and he can find some form then Liverpool have got a real chance of making the top four.”
Lawro’s prediction: 1-1
Lawro’s opponent
Each week Lawro invites a guest to give their predictions before seeing who guesses the most scores correctly.
This week he’s up against punk poet and BBC 6 Music presenter John Cooper Clarke.
“The Toffees against the Mickey Mousers,” remarked the Manchester United fan. “Whose park are they at? Everton’s? I think that will be a low-score draw, and Liverpool are going to have one disallowed in the third minute of the second half.”
John’s prediction: 1-1
About this former LFC player
Mark Lawrenson joined Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion for a then club record £900k in the summer of 1981. The Republic of Ireland international centre-back soon struck up a formidable partnership with Alan Hansen after injury to club stalwart Phil Thompson. After 332 appearances, Lawrenson left the club in 1989 and after a season playing in the American Soccer League went on to manage Oxford United and Peterborough United. During his time at Anfield ‘Lawro’ won 5 league titles, 3 League Cups, a European Cup and an FA Cup.
So that’s what he thinks, how about you? Let us know your thoughts on the game below or vote in our poll to the right…
Click here to read Vital Liverpool’s preview of this game
Follow me on Twitter @superbag
| At Vital Liverpool we’re always looking for contributors so if you’re an LFC fan who wants to share his or her opinion with the masses, simply email articles/blogs to liverpool@vitalfootball.co.uk | ||