Lawro predicts back to back Hammers wins

BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has done the unthinkable by predicting a second West Ham win in a row this Saturday but can’t help but wade in the Sam Allardyce debate by questioning why Hammers fans would boo him tomorrow.

Lawro told the BBC website: “I was at Ewood Park last weekend to see West Ham take Blackburn Rovers apart in the FA Cup.

The Hammers impressed me a lot with the way they responded when they went behind in the first half, and there was never any doubt that they would go on and win that tie.

Slaven Bilic’s side showed they are not just a good side, they can adapt their style depending on the opposition too – they can either out-play you or they can battle with you.

The return of former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce means this will be the latter, and it should be a close one.

Sunderland were already out of the FA Cup so they had the week off but, beforehand, they were just starting to show that they are beginning to find their feet a little bit.

They took four points from their last three games against Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United and were a bit unlucky not to pick up even more.

There is talk Allardyce might get a mixed reception from the home supporters on Saturday but, as a West Ham fan, why would you boo him?

He kept your team in the Premier League and made some good signings who are still there. Now they have improved and are playing really well, but he has played his part in that too.”