‘All over the place’ – Mark Lawrenson predicts result in West Brom clash v Newcastle
West Brom are in need of some help at the moment but there was none coming from BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson in his latest round of predictions.
The game at 3pm on Saturday was under threat after a Covid-19 outbreak at Newcastle but their training ground reopened earlier this week.
However, Newcastle could still be forced to field a weakened side with many positive cases at the club still.
Despite that, Lawrenson thinks that Newcastle will come out on top in a 2-0 win.
Writing on the BBC he said, “I thought the decision to send off West Brom midfielder Mattheus Pereira against Crystal Palace was very harsh, but the way the Baggies collapsed afterwards was a concern.
“The score was 1-1 when Pereira was dismissed and West Brom reorganised to see the end of the first half out – but then they were all over the place at the back after the break.
“It was far too easy for Palace to score their four goals in the second half, and defending like that makes me think Newcastle will manage a couple too.”
Newcastle will be weakened
It’s not easy predicting Premier League games this season but the one on Saturday afternoon is almost impossible.
West Brom fans would think they’d got a great shot at getting the three points even before what’s happened to Newcastle.
As it is, Newcastle might have to field a number of Under-23s and the first-team players have had to put up with a shut training ground and working out on their own.
We think that plays into West Brom’s hands perfectly, although there is a huge amount of pressure on the Baggies at the moment.
The decision to send Pereira off and then to deny the appeal just shows how bad the levels of officiating are in England at the moment.
With Pereira out, Karlan Grant needs to come good on Saturday and start repaying the huge transfer fee.
We think the first goal will be all-important. If Newcastle get it it’s going to be very hard for West Brom to come back with the collapse at Crystal Palace still fresh in their minds.
If West Brom get it then we can see us holding out for the three points.
It’s a huge game for Bilic and a huge game for West Brom’s season, even though we’re not past Christmas yet.
In other West Brom news, View: West Brom transfer rumour positive but won’t help earn PL survival