What scoreline has former Reds defender Mark Lawrenson plumped for in his weekly prediction feature?
Ex-Liverpool centre-back turned media pundit Mark Lawrenson has given his thoughts ahead of Liverpool’s hosting of Newcastle United on Sunday.
Writing in his regular ‘Lawro Predicts’ feature for the BBC, the 55-year-old believes a tough game lies ahead for his old side but he also feels they can just edge it.
Here’s what he had to say in full…
“This is a tough-looking game for Liverpool against a Newcastle side that I feel have played better and should have more points than their league position and tally suggests so far.
“It is a massive game for Reds boss Brendan Rodgers too. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the way his teams play the game but the problem is they have to get results too.
“Last weekend’s draw with Everton was a good one, considering where both sides are in the league, and it would have been even better if Luis Suarez’s late goal had been allowed to stand.
“But Wednesday’s defeat by Swansea in the Capital One Cup was poor and that sort of inconsistency in performances and results is probably about right for where they are as a team at the moment.
“The Magpies are far more of a unit and also so potent in attack – even without Demba Ba, who is rated as 50-50 to play because of a shin injury.
“Liverpool are quite the opposite, with Suarez their only fit senior striker, something which must have Rodgers holding his breath every time the Uruguayan plays because, if something happens to him, they are in massive trouble.
“Understandably, the Reds are being linked with strikers, and there have been reports they will try to buy Ba in January. If his knee is OK, which it appears to be, it would make perfect sense for them to try to buy him.
“Rodgers spent £11m on Fabio Borini in the summer but, if I had the choice of him or Ba, who still has a £7.5m release clause in his contract, then I know where I would have been shopping.”
Lawro’s prediction: 2-1
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.
Click here to read Vital Liverpool’s preview of this game
Click here to read our interview with a Newcastle fan
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! | ||