What scoreline has former Reds defender Mark Lawrenson plumped for in the latest edition of his prediction feature?…
Ex-Liverpool centre-back turned media pundit Mark Lawrenson has given his thoughts ahead of Fulham’s visit to Anfield this Saturday teatime.
Writing in his regular ‘Lawro Predicts’ column for the BBC, the 55-year-old expects Liverpool to bounce back from defeat last week and collect all three points.
Here’s what he had to say in full…
“Liverpool fans probably thought they would roll Aston Villa over last week, win comfortably and make it four victories in a row, but the fact that didn’t happen shows you the unpredictable nature of the Premier League.
“Brendan Rodgers’s side had their chances in that game too, especially in the first 20 minutes, but they failed to take them and paid the price.
“Fulham are struggling a bit of late and are not great on the road full stop, which is why they have dropped down the table in the last few weeks.
“Taking all of that into consideration, I can see Liverpool coming out on top at Anfield – in many ways, if the Reds had won last week then this would have been a bit easier for Fulham. Because Liverpool lost, they will really have a point to prove on Saturday.
“I think Rodgers got a bit carried away when he was talking about finishing in second place last week. This league, as everyone knows, has got the ability to turn around and slap you on the face from time to time, and that is one of its great appeals.
“When you start playing well and winning, you think you can beat anyone. Then, whack, you don’t win for three games.
“He can forget second place because nobody will get near the two Manchester clubs this season, and Liverpool will do well to finish sixth.”
Lawro’s prediction: 2-0
The pundit has also had his say on the news 18-year-old Raheem Sterling has signed a new five year contract at Liverpool.
“It is great news that Liverpool have managed to tie Raheem Sterling down to a long-term deal. He actually looks like he could do with a rest at the moment because of the number of league games he has played and you would never have foreseen that happening at the start of the season,” analysed Lawro.
“Sterling might need a bit of a rest but it doesn’t make him a bad player. If he sat in the stand and watched for a couple of games he might understand his role a little bit better, which is all part of his education.
“Liverpool picked him up for peanuts from QPR, with Kenny Dalglish instrumental in the deal in his then role as ambassador. If they have had to pay him an extra few thousand pound a week now to keep him, then so be it.”
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.
Click here to read Vital Liverpool’s preview of this game
Follow me on Twitter @superbag
| Not a Vital Liverpool member? It’s a 100% free to join and get involved. Plus it only takes a few moments to sign up. Click here to become a member now! | ||