So here we go again then – with Mark Lawrenson predicting our fourth win on the trot!
That we only lost the last one with ten men after fighting back to 2-2 before going under by the odd goal in five doesn’t matter it seems.
A draw against Arsenal and wins over Wolves and Leicester count for little apparently in Lawro’s world where defeat almost appears on his forehead from week to week.
With Chelsea visiting – and being seen as one of those top six club – SIGH – it’s an easier call for him to make than usual but once again reason and logic seen to be a bit thin on the ground.
Such predictions have been going down badly recently so the same is true again this week against a team we have a pretty good record over this season and the last two with three wins and two draws.
He writes in his BBC website column: “This is a big game in terms of the top four and I just wonder if West Ham might be in a bit of a trough at the moment after their defeat by Newcastle last time out.
Midfielder Declan Rice and striker Michail Antonio are injured and defender Craig Dawson is suspended after his red card against the Magpies.
Chelsea did not do a lot in their draw against Brighton on Tuesday, although that game was overshadowed by what was happening to the plans for the ESL. Thankfully that is not something we have to worry about anymore.
The Blues have got their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday so boss Thomas Tuchel might rest players, although it is difficult to know what his priority will be.
Chelsea need to be in the Champions League next season, and you would think that qualifying for it through their league position is going to be a lot easier than winning it to get back in it. So, I would be very surprised if Tuchel seriously messes with his team on Saturday.
Lawro’s prediction: 0-2
Unfortunately I agree with him… but then again I am not the worlds best at making predictions… Newcastle and Chelsea are worlds apart imho.. I just believe that nobody can overlook our defensive frailties at present, the defence is porous, Ogboona wiil take a few games to get back up to speed etc… Left back is a major concern… Has Fab recovered mentally from his aborations from last week etc.. To be brutally honest, Rice missing is massive and Noble does not cover the centre halves as he does or read the game as well as Rice. Soucek is not the same player when Noble plays.. Chelsea don’t concede many so the first goal ( cliché) will be vitally important.. Fingers crossed but would take a draw now if offered..
If you scroll further down Lawrenson’s piece on the BBC website you’ll see a league table based on his predictions throughout the season. Unsurprisingly we are in 12th place, lower than amongst others, Brighton, Leeds, Wolves and one place ahead of Burnley. The top places are filled by, you’ve guessed it, clubs from the so called big six. This guy is inept and a very poor pundit. I really don’t understand why the BBC keep throwing money at him.
Been thinking the same for years – he obviously has friends somewhere. Any idiot can predict score lines but when they are consistently incorrect WTF ???
Why do you need an ex pro predicting score lines based on what – he should know better that it’s on the day – he must be a majician, knowing that our keeper would drop the ball and newcastle would get an own goal ? Their third was ok but that was it – our 2nd half performance with 10 men deserved at least a draw and did he predict a sending off – you sure he didn’t mr bbc ?
Lawrenson uses the broken watch principle in his punditry, if he keeps saying the same thing eventually he’ll be right.