Pundit back in his old routine

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