Mark Lawrenson reveals first Newcastle United scoreline prediction in three months ahead of weekend's clash

The first full bill of Premier League fixtures in over three months is set to take place this weekend, with an eye-catching, fully-televised programme of fixtures taking place behind-closed-doors.
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Newcastle United host Sheffield United at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon, and the Magpies will be looking to maintain their excellent record against the Blades, that has seen them win all of their last meetings.

Writing his weekly prediction piece for BBC Sport, Mark Lawrenson, who correctly suggested the Blades would draw their game with Villa, opted for another share of the spoils, picking for a 1-1 draw between the Magpies and Chris Wilder's side.

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Justifying his prediction, Lawro wrote: "Newcastle's takeover saga rumbles on and on and on. I feel a bit sorry for their manager Steve Bruce, who has done a really good job - every time he loses he is out of a job, apparently, and it is the same with stories about him being replaced by whoever buys the club."

"Sheffield United did not really look like scoring for long periods against Aston Villa and, sadly for them, everyone who mattered missed it when they did get the ball into the net.

"I don't see many goals being scored in this set of fixtures anyway, but especially not at St James' Park."

While the pundit believes it's likely to be a rather drab affair, his competitor for the week, Sports Team drummer Al Greenwood, backed the Blades to run out 3-0 winners, and said: "I think playing already will help Sheffield United get into their stride a bit."