Mark Lawrenson makes shock West Ham vs Newcastle prediction

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Mark Lawrenson backed West Ham to earn a vital three points against Newcastle when writing his regular prediction column for BBC Sport.

In other news…Report claims West Ham could be beaten to £9m ace

The Hammers welcome the Magpies to the London Stadium for their Premier League opener tomorrow.

The two clubs have experienced massively different transfer windows thus far. Apart from turning Tomas Soucek’s loan deal into a permanent one, West Ham boss David Moyes hasn’t signed a single player.

Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has brought a plethora of new signings to St James’ Park including the likes of Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Jamal Lewis.

Newcastle could cause West Ham problems

Many Hammers fans are dreading the game against the Toon. Our defence is incredibly weak, and Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron could have a field day in east London.

In spite of that, Mark Lawrenson backed a shock 2-1 win for West Ham, when writing his regular prediction column for BBC Sport:

“West Ham fans are clearly miffed about the sale of Grady Diangana to West Brom. I don’t know why they sold him – how can it be for financial reasons when they have just bid about £27m for Burnley defender James Tarkowski? This will be close, but I’m going with the Hammers. David Moyes has had some time to work with his team and, if they can get Tarkowski in – or someone like him – they will be safer, quicker, this time.”

Lawro’s prediction: 2-1

Let’s pray that Lawrenson is right. It will take a very good performance from Moyes’s men if they are to turn over Newcastle.

Having Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice available for selection will be vital for us. And the likes of Sebastien Haller, Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen need to perform at the other end of the pitch as well.

With some incredibly tough games on the horizon, three points against the Magpies is an absolute must. It would provide a real boost for the players and fans who have had to endure a tough summer thus far.