Lawrenson remains predictable

Mark Lawrenson is never anything other than predictable and it comes as no surprise to see his prediction for the match at the Emirates this weekend – a home win.

That’s easy to understand in the light of our performance against Newcastle last week – but it surely has to get better than that ….doesn’t it?

Several players attempted to stake their claims in the EFL victory over Charlton but it will remain difficult for the manager to decide on whether the likes of Lanzini – despite a fine performance – Anderson or Snodgrass are ready for a start in such a tricky away game.

Lawro, however, is not predicting a thumping defeat after the team’s late defeat in north London last season.

As league leaders playing at home the Gunners will be favourites but with plenty of choices and a fully fit squad, Moyes will be looking for one of those big Hammers performances against a big team – as is often the way of things with us.

Writing in his predictions column on the BBC website Lawrenson says: “Arsenal have been top of the league all week, which does not mean very much after only one game, apart from the confidence you get from knowing you have made a really good start. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s new contract will help build their belief too.

West Ham, on the other hand, were wishy-washy in their defeat by Newcastle, and they always seem to be fighting fires off the pitch.

The Gunners won this fixture 1-0 with a late goal in March, in the final game before last season was paused because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Lawro’s prediction: 2-1