Mark Lawrenson predicts Newcastle vs West Ham - Says Bruce heading into the unknown
Mark Lawrenson is back for another season with his Premier League predictions - and he's backing Sunday's clash with West Ham to end in a 1-1 draw.
Interestingly, the BBC pundit believes fans being back at St James' Park is 'all great on paper', but could actually work against Steve Bruce is fans aren't happy to see him still in the dugout.
Lawro does, however, feel Callum Wilson is key - and I'm not surprised given he's scored eight goals in 10 games against West Ham - yet still backs the Hammers to take a point back to London.
Here's what he's had to say during his latest piece for BBC Sport:
Newcastle playing at home with the crowds back in St James' Park is all great on paper, but what sort of atmosphere awaits manager Steve Bruce? I don't know.
Magpies striker Callum Wilson is fit which will help them, but I think West Ham will get something out of the game.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
You can see his predictions for all 10 games on the opening weekend in full below - starting with his prediction prior to Brentford
- Brentford 1-1 Arsenal
- Man Utd 2-1 Leeds
- Burnley 1-2 Brighton
- Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace
- Everton 1-0 Southampton
- Leicester 2-0 Wolves
- Watford 0-2 Aston Villa
- Norwich 0-2 Liverpool
- Newcastle 1-1 West Ham
- Tottenham 0-2 Man City
What's your prediction for our first game back? Let us know in the comments below!
