Mark Lawrenson blasts 'ridiculous' Newcastle United manager speculation and makes West Ham scoreline prediction

Writing for BBC Sport, pundit Mark Lawrenson has revealed his set of predictions for the upcoming set of Premier League fixtures, and has tipped the Magpies to grind out a 1-1 draw against David Moyes' side

Before justifying his pick, Lawro hit out at recent speculation over Steve Bruce's future, and argued: "It makes me laugh how there is still speculation over what the takeover at Newcastle would mean for Magpies boss Steve Bruce, even while his side are swatting other teams away.

"Bruce was forever being compared unfavourably to his predecessor Rafael Benitez when he took over last summer. In the past couple of weeks, his side have scored eight goals in three league games to pick up seven points and make it completely certain that they are staying up, yet you still hear about how they would be better off with Mauricio Pochettino in charge."

"It's ridiculous really. Meanwhile, Bruce still carries on getting results and proving what a good manager he is, especially in getting the best out of his players."

Going on to discusses his decision to predict a draw, the ex-Liverpool man claimed: "West Ham are finally up and running again too, and they will be full of confidence after their win over Chelsea - despite a big VAR decision going against them again.

"Form-wise, Newcastle would still have to be favourites - but it doesn't always work out that way in the Premier League."

Meanwhile, Lawrenson's sparring partner for the weekend, Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil, opted for a 2-0 win for Newcastle and claimed: "Wednesday's win over Chelsea was massive for West Ham boss David Moyes but this is another difficult game for them. Newcastle have found a bit of form and I really like watching Allan Saint-Maximin, who is such an exciting player.