Mark Lawrenson is predicting a positive weekend for Newcastle United, believing we’ll move another point clear of relegation rivals Fulham after their “damaging” collapse at Aston Villa last time out.
He’s backing Wolves to come away 1-0 winners at Craven Cottage tonight – a result that would allow us to go SIX clear of Fulham (with a game in hand) should we beat Burnley on Sunday.
Lawro feels we showed huge improvement in our 2-2 draw with Spurs and thinks victory against Sean Dyche’s side would be a “massive boost”, but insists Burnley won’t be beaten and backs us to earn a 1-1 draw instead.
Here’s what he’s had to say on both games in his weekly column for the BBC:
Fulham vs Wolves
“Last week felt like a real kick in the teeth for Fulham, who collapsed in the final few minutes against Aston Villa to turn what would have been a big win for them into a damaging defeat.
“This is another chance for them to climb out of the bottom three, against a team who have not won for a while, but I just wonder how much that capitulation will have deflated them.
“Wolves have not won for five games, since they beat Leeds on 19 February, but I don’t think they are playing as badly as their results suggest.”
Lawro’s prediction: 0-1
Burnley vs Newcastle
“A win would be a massive boost for Newcastle in their relegation battle.
“Similarly for Burnley, a victory for them would be as good as putting them safe.
“The Magpies were decent in their draw with Tottenham last weekend and I think they will build on that by getting something here.
“I just don’t see Burnley being beaten though.”
Lawro’s prediction: 1-1
Scott Parker’s Fulham host Wolves tonight in what’s been billed a must win game if they are to put the pressure on us ahead of our trip to Burnley.
Let’s hope they crack under the pressure once again and hand us a huge chance to pull clear on Sunday!
