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 Aston Villa’s visit to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
Writing in his regular ‘Lawro Predicts’ column for the BBC, the 55-year-old expects Liverpool to continue their recent good run and secure all three points.
Here’s what he had to say in full…
“Liverpool are having a decent spell at the moment and they did very well to come back from 2-1 down to beat West Ham last week.
“I thought several aspects of their team looked good at Upton Park – Lucas Leiva coming back from injury has freed Steven Gerrard and Joe Allen a little bit, and they suddenly look strong in midfield.
“Brendan Rodgers has a settled team, too. Luis Suarez is back and available after being suspended against the Hammers but another positive thing for them was that it didn’t make a lot of difference.
“Jonjo Shelvey is not a striker but he gave it a go and ended up playing a part in the winner.
“It showed that Rodgers has players who are thinking: ‘I want to be in this team and I am not that bothered where’, which is what you are looking for as a manager.
“Aston Villa had a great win over Norwich in the Capital One Cup in midweek, and not just for the fact it was Paul Lambert’s first time back to Carrow Road since leaving in the summer.
“The result itself and the fact they are in the semi-finals now is a big lift, especially considering their league position.
“Villa will be competitive at Anfield – I don’t think there is any doubt about that – but they are probably going there just at the wrong time, just as Liverpool are starting to play well.
“They have won their last three games in all competitions and I sense they might be putting a bit of a run together.”
Lawro’s prediction: 2-0
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.
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