Mark Lawrenson is back in his predictable old routine by tipping his former club Liverpool to beat the Hammers on Sunday.
There is of course no surprise there but the first fixture of the season is notoriously tricky as was shown when the Hammers put it across Arsenal at their place under Slaven Bilic.
Lawrenson, however, as we would all have expected won’t be taking bets against his team and comes up with these as his reasons why.
“It’s been a busy summer in the transfer market and, after struggling last season, West Ham have got to be aiming for the top 10 this time.
Liverpool are aspiring to finish a bit higher, obviously, and when I look at the signings that all the teams have made, they look like they have done the best business.
I think the Reds will push City for the title this season and I am backing them to begin with a win.”
Verdict 2-0
Merson is of the same mind apparently . Liverpool , Anfield and all that goes with it will obviously get you better odds . Anfield is a bigger target for players than the LS and will attract higher skilled players , but West Ham are showing Ambition with the LS and recent signings . Reckon Liverpool might be getting a bit cocky . Thier aspirations are in fact lower than ours because they have been at the top for what seems like forever . We at West Ham on the other hand have Higher Aspirations because we have never reached that level . So Lawrenson is wrong .
Its not often I agree with him but with Salah, Mane & Firminho with possibly Sturridge also, they may only have one fit central defender but up top they have an abundance of threat to a new defence, we have to hope we can win the midfield battle and have more posession and if possible get a couple of goals up, fingers crossed COYI !!!
Yep, I agree. I’ve not seen anything in pre-season to believe we now have a defence capable of keeping out Shaqiri, Sane and Salah. They have an enhanced, good squad that many believe will take the title this year, whilst we’re basically a new team that needs time to settle. BUT I also believe Pelle has kept his cards close to his chest and tactically may be able to surprise at the sharp end. I’m interested to see how Anderson will perform at full-speed but I believe that Milner and co. are up to it. I shall be watching from behind the sofa 🙂 COYI!!! âš’