Mark Lawrenson gives his verdict on Newcastle United | OneFootball

Mark Lawrenson has been discussing Newcastle United.

The former Liverpool defender speaking ahead of the match at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Newcastle United having played twenty two matches in total (all competitions) so far this season.

Twelve wins, five draws and five defeats.

Now set to face Man U away.

Mark Lawrenson speaking to Paddy Power ahead of Manchester United v Newcastle United:

“Bruno Fernandes is suspended for Manchester United which will hurt them.

“Newcastle had that gift against Villa but this might be a bit of a stalemate.

“Prediction: Man U 1 Newcastle United 1”

Hmmm, not sure what Mark Lawrenson means by a ‘gift’ in that last match and victory over Aston Villa?

United led in less than 90 seconds after a brilliant team move and superb finish, then Villa never seriously threatened all match. The visitors only one effort on target and that was a free-kick which was very comfortably saved by Dubravka towards the middle of the goal.

Newcastle United absolutely battered them and Villa lucky it was only 3-0, not 5-0 or 6-0 that NUFC’s superiority and chances would have reflected. United were already on their way to victory before Duran’s cowardly challenge on Fabian Schar saw him correctly sent off.

Interesting to look back at what Mark Lawrenson had to say before that Newcastle v Villa match…

“Newcastle have had a couple of big wins. But I’m going to side with Aston Villa. They’re back on the bus now and they’re a great side when they’re at it. Prediction: Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 2″

Yes, well, Villa were more under the bus at St James’ Park, than on it.

Interesting that Mark Lawrenson doesn’t give any reasoning as to exactly why this should be a 1-1 ‘stalemate’ at Old Trafford tonight.

Of course, any match can end up having any result. However, when predicting what is likely to happen in any game, it is usual to refer to the facts, the form leading up to a match.

Newcastle have won all of their last four matches. Man U have lost five of their last six domestic matches.

Newcastle United have scored 19 goals in their last six games, Man U have conceded 14 in their last six domestic matches.

Newcastle have scored at least two goals in each of these last six games. Man U have conceded at least two goals in five of their last six domestic matches, including three in each of their last two Old Trafford games, against Forest and Bournemouth.

For Mark Lawrenson to be proved correct, recent form for both teams would need to be transformed.

Here’s hoping the Liverpool fan is proved incorrect, just like when ‘back on the bus’ Aston Villa came to St James’ Park.

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Tuesday 7 January – Arsenal v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports and ITV1 and ITVX

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)