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Last Updated: Tuesday, 27 December 2005, 16:39 GMT
Lawro's predictions

By Mark Lawrenson
BBC Sport football expert

(All kick-offs are 1945 GMT unless specified)

Arsenal v Portsmouth

I've got to go for Arsenal here after their win over Charlton on Boxing Day.

That said, I expect a much-improved display from Portsmouth, who've looked better since Harry Redknapp's arrival.

Verdict: 2-0


Birmingham v Man Utd

It just gets worse and worse for Birmingham boss Steve Bruce doesn't it? They perhaps deserved something at White Hart Lane but things just aren't going their way at the moment.

Manchester United, in contrast, have looked very good since their Champions League exit. They've got lots of width with their 4-4-2 formation, have knuckled down and just got on with it.

Verdict: 0-2


Blackburn v Sunderland

Blackburn have had a good week with those league and cup wins over Middlesbrough but I think they'll find it difficult against Sunderland.

Mick McCarthy's side have struggled this season but against Bolton on Boxing Day they scrapped and fought for absolutely everything, which I expect them to repeat on Wednesday.

Verdict: 1-1


Bolton v Middlesbrough

Bolton Sam Allardyce has been very clever in devising a very physical gameplan that a lot of sides struggle with.

Middlesbrough have a good defence and a great attack but there's nothing in midfield, what with their array of injury problems. This could prove an outing too far for them.

Verdict: 2-0


Everton v Liverpool
2000 GMT

Everton have been scrapping for their lives at the moment... admittedly to no avail in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa. This time, particularly with it being against Liverpool, they'll scrap, niggle and fight to the death.

Their Merseyside rivals, in contrast, seem to be getting everything right although it worries me what they'll do should Stevie Gerrard get injured.

Verdict: 1-1


Fulham v Aston Villa

Like a lot of the teams on Boxing Day, Fulham had a good performance but had nothing to show for it. They're missing some of their bigger players but I still think they'll have too much for Villa.

In fact, I've been trying to find a way to describe David O'Leary's side all season and the word that comes to mind is brittle. They didn't crack on Monday - they may well do this time.

Verdict: 2-1


Man City v Chelsea

Manchester City are scoring goals for fun but, if they don't sort out their defence, they'll end up shipping five to Chelsea. But after the Wigan game I expect a different side, especially as manager Stuart Pearce will have read the riot act.

What's ominous for other sides is that Chelsea still haven't played well this season, although they're getting dangerously close. Hernan Crespo is finding his form, as are the likes of Joe Cole and Arjen Robben... and it's only a matter of time before they rip a team apart.

Verdict: 0-2


Newcastle v Charlton

Liverpool took Newcastle apart and could have gone on to win by an even bigger margin, and the loss of Steven Taylor through injury will not help their cause.

That said, I expect them to prove too much of a handful for Charlton, despite Alan Curbishley's team being much improved against Arsenal.

Verdict: 2-1


West Brom v Tottenham

I don't expect West Brom to lose, although they seem to have this worrying mentality that they escaped relegation last season so are certainties to avoid it again. That's dangerous.

I thought Tottenham were a tad fortunate against Birmingham and they are struggling to create opportunities at the moment.

Verdict: 1-1


West Ham v Wigan

If you look at West Ham, they have a nice balance, width and pace, and they love going forward - it's where they're at their best.

Wigan are another team that have surprised this season and, if Henri Camara and Jason Roberts stay fit, I can't see that changing. Roberts is big, strong and physical, while Camara compliments him perfectly.

Verdict: 2-2

  • Listen to Lawro's views on BBC Radio Five Live's Drive programme at approximately 1720 GMT on Fridays. Lawro reserves the right to revise his predictions, based on any late team news.





  • Barclays Premier League Table
    05 December 2009 14:46
        P GD PTS
    1 Chelsea 14 28 36
    2 Man Utd 14 17 31
    3 Tottenham 14 14 26
    4 Arsenal 13 18 25

    5 Liverpool 14 11 23

    6 Aston Villa 14 8 23
    7 Man City 13 7 22
    8 Sunderland 14 1 20
    9 Stoke 14 -2 20
    10 Fulham 14 2 19
    11 Birmingham 14 -2 18
    12 Blackburn 14 -12 17
    13 Burnley 15 -14 17
    14 Wigan 14 -16 17
    15 Hull 15 -14 16
    16 Everton 14 -8 15
    17 West Ham 14 -2 14

    18 Bolton 13 -11 12
    19 Portsmouth 15 -10 10
    20 Wolverhampton 14 -15 10

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