Mark Lawrenson brands Newcastle United 'pretty lively' and makes Southampton scoreline prediction

Writing his weekly predictions column for BBC Sport, former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson international backed the Magpies to pick up a 2-0 win on home turf.

Explaining his pick, Lawro contended: "This is probably a good time to play Southampton, who are short of available players even though the red card Jan Bednarek received near the end of Tuesday's 9-0 defeat at Old Trafford was overturned.

"I was there for BBC Radio 5 live and, although Saints didn't capitulate until the last few minutes, it was a horrible night for them which will have taken a lot out of their players too, because they worked extremely hard."

He continued: "Newcastle lost at home to Crystal Palace in midweek but they were pretty lively, and kept up the more ambitious approach that saw them win at Everton last weekend."

"More of the same should see the Magpies get some reward here, after taking only two points from their previous five home league games."

Meanwhile, Lawro's celebrity competitor for the week, TV presenter Gethin Jones, went for a 2-1 away win for the Saints, and stated: "The question is how will Southampton respond to losing 9-0? I think you have to see a reaction."

The last time the two sides met, back in November, goals from Che Adams and Stuart Armstong saw Southampton earn a 2-0 victory at St Mary's.