Lawro's predictions

HOW DID LAWRO DO LAST WEEKEND?

Last week, Lawro got FOUR results right, but ONE perfect score.

THIS WEEK'S PREDICTIONS

(Kick-offs 1500 unless stated)

SATURDAY

Man City v Newcastle (1245 BST)

City have picked up again, particularly at home where they keep winning 1-0, and they have yet to concede at Eastlands this season.

Newcastle have Michael Owen out again through injury and are going through an inconsistent period.

But I reckon these sides might not be too far away from each other at the end of the season and I fancy they could cancel one another out.

Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea v Fulham

Chelsea are still getting over Jose Mourinho and the loss to Manchester United, but I think they will get back to winning in this local derby.

I think Fulham need to stand in something on the walk down the King's Road because they have had absolutely no luck with decisions this season.

However, Stamford Bridge is not a good place for your luck to start changing.

Prediction: 2-0

Derby v Bolton

This is a real early-season basement battle, and Bolton have Kevin Davies back, which will be a big help for manager Sammy Lee.

It looks like Davies, Nicolas Anelka, El-Hadji Diouf and Stelios might be starting to perform a bit and those four could help get some points and see them clear of the mess at the bottom.

Lee is trying to get them playing good football, only they have lost that bit of nastiness that made them so successful - but they will still have too much for Derby.

Prediction: 1-2

Portsmouth v Reading

Portsmouth had a couple of reversals recently but manager Harry Redknapp does not generally go long without a win, and they have already got games against the top four out of the way this season.

They had a great win over Blackburn at Ewood Park last weekend and I think they will kick on now and pick up some points with a nice run of games.

This season Reading have been a real hotch potch - there have been some highlights and lowlights, which is pretty much as we expected.

Prediction: 2-0

Sunderland v Blackburn

It might be quite a good time for Sunderland to play Blackburn, who won in the Carling Cup in midweek but have just stuttered a bit of late.

Sunderland have stopped the rot a bit and gone a couple of games unbeaten.

So I am going to opt for a draw, which will keep Sunderland's mini-run going and it would not be the worst result for Blackburn boss Mark Hughes either against his old team-mate Roy Keane.

Prediction: 1-1

West Ham v Arsenal

I have a feeling that we might see Arsenal's first defeat of the season this weekend.

With Dean Ashton back now he just seems to knit things together for West Ham, even if they are still missing some players through long-term injuries.

They are starting to look decent and have begun to win their home games.

Arsenal have made a really good start but it will be interesting to see on the Hammers' tight pitch if Arsenal might be a bit claustrophobic after playing at the Emirates.

Prediction: 2-1

Wigan v Liverpool

Liverpool are playing extremely well and even with their rotation policy they do not go through many games misfiring.

The had a draw at Pompey and Porto, but generally they are not bad results.

They lacked a cutting edge against Birmingham, but with Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres in the team they will win these games.

Wigan are chugging along, and as long as they are top of the bottom six they will be happy.

Prediction: 0-2

Birmingham v Man Utd (1715 BST)

This is a big one for Birmingham and for manager Steve Bruce against his old boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

He will have looked at United's result against Coventry and thought that is just what he needs, especially after they lost 3-0.

He will know Fergie will be cracking the whip and United will prove to be too strong.

Prediction: 1-2

SUNDAY

Everton v Middlesbrough (1600 BST)

If Everton harbour ambitions of finishing in the top six they have to beat Middlesbrough at home.

I have seen Boro in a couple of their games and they do not travel well - they are totally unconvincing.

Everton are stronger this season and they will be thereabouts if they can get Yakubu fit and scoring and Andy Johnson playing well then they will be a tough front two.

They are going to win far more than they lose this season.

Prediction: 2-1

MONDAY

Tottenham v Aston Villa (2000 BST)

I saw Villa at Manchester City earlier this month and they looked good but lacked a cutting edge.

Then they turned Everton over and went and lost to Leicester in the Carling Cup.

They have not got that consistency level and are a bit up and down, but Tottenham are not having a great time of it and I think it will be a case of the spoils being shared.

Prediction: 2-2

Mark Lawrenson was talking to Andrew McKenzie

Source: BBC Sport