Lawro's predictions

HOW DID LAWRO DO LAST WEEKEND?

Lawro got FIVE results right, including ONE perfect score.

THIS WEEK'S PREDICTIONS

(Kick-offs 1500 unless stated)

SATURDAY

Sunderland v Liverpool (1245 BST)

I just think after the euphoria of a late goal against Tottenham and a late goal against Birmingham, reality set in last Saturday for Sunderland against Wigan

Manager Roy Keane knows what he has got and he has a better indication of the level his team are at, having seen them lose so easily at the JJB Stadium

Liverpool, on the other hand, have the luxury of two teams to pick from, like Manchester United and Chelsea. I expect a comfortable win for the Reds.

Prediction: 0-2

Arsenal v Man City

Now this will be a very, very interesting match.

I think City will come unstuck at Arsenal in all honesty. They had a great result against Manchester rivals United but even their own manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said his team rode their luck.

This match might be City's reality check after a fruitful three games.

City fans should not be too disheartened if they lose because they will be sitting there with nine points, having already played United and Arsenal.

Prediction: 2-0

Aston Villa v Fulham

Villa really should have come away from Newcastle with a win last week but they found Magpies goalkeeper Steve Harper in really good form.

I know Martin O'Neill is still looking to improve the squad, so I expect them to get better as the season wears on.

There are big question marks hanging over the Fulham side on the road.

Prediction: 2-1

Bolton v Reading

Unfortunately, I hate to say this but even at the end of August this is a must-win game for Bolton.

I think the problem for Bolton is that the way they play has changed under new boss Sammy Lee and it is taking time to convince the team that this is the right way to play.

Reading have had a really, really tough start, so a point will be good for them.

Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea v Portsmouth

I fancy Chelsea to win this, even though the majority of their squad have not had any training for a while because they have been away on international duty.

But they have so much depth in their squad and they would have been buoyed by the result at Anfield.

Portsmouth look like they will improve yet again this season, which is another plus for manager Harry Redknapp. They will not win this one though.

Prediction: 2-0

Derby v Birmingham

This is a match between two teams in the bottom six, who, frankly, will be two teams who will finish the season in the bottom six.

Derby were mauled by Tottenham last week and they will have to be better on Saturday.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce has signed quite a few players in the transfer window but I am finding it hard to work out where the goals coming from.

A long hard season for both these teams.

Prediction: 2-1

West Ham v Wigan

I am going to go for West Ham. They have got options - plenty of pace and strength in depth. Defender Danny Gabbidon, who did so well last season, can't even get in the team.

They needed that win at Birmingham last week after losing at home to Manchester City.

Wigan look like they will be capable of beating teams around them and that will be the key to survival.

Prediction: 2-0

Everton v Blackburn (1715 BST)

This is a tasty fixture but it always is between these two teams. The match is all about old-fashioned football because there will be a lot of tackles involved.

Everton ran out of gas at Reading last week but I will go for a home win here.

I reckon it may be one of those matches where you might not end up with 22 on the field by the end because of the physical nature of the teams.

Prediction: 2-1

SUNDAY

Middlesbrough v Newcastle (1330 BST)

Middlesbrough will no longer have striker Yakubu and Mido is not match fit, so goals will be hard to come by for them in the Tyne-Tees derby.

They will be without defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Robert Huth, so they do not look too clever at the back either at the moment. It is difficult to see who they will get in before the transfer deadline because a lot of the good players have gone.

Newcastle seem to have a little less pressure on them when they are on the road, so I think they will sneak this one.

Prediction: 1-2

Man Utd v Tottenham (1600 BST)

Manchester United will come back with a bang. I do not think they will be as wasteful in front of goal as they were against Manchester City.

One thing about Sir Alex Ferguson's team, even on a bad day, is that they create lots of chances. The squad will not need many words of encouragement from Fergie.

Tottenham have become a laughing stock, I don't know what has been going on behind the scenes.

Manager Martin Jol already knows his team have to break into the top four, so he does not need the added pressure from the board.

I think the whole saga has been pathetic.

Prediction: 2-0

Mark Lawrenson was talking to Saj Chowdhury

Source: BBC Sport