Mark Lawrenson reveals Newcastle United scoreline prediction ahead of West Brom showdown
Newcastle United head into their weekend clash against West Bromwich Albion in dire need of a win, as they look to avoid becoming embroiled in a relegation battle over the coming weeks.
In his weekly predictions column for BBC Sport, pundit and broadcaster gave his verdict on the Sunday afternoon kick-off, and tipped a goalless draw between the two sides at the Hawthorns.
Justifying his choice, the ex-Republic of Ireland international contended: "Being honest, I can't see this one being a thriller, because both of these sides usually focus on making themselves hard to beat.
“I don't see Newcastle changing that cautious approach, especially now Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin have joined the injured Callum Wilson in the treatment room. That means their three best attacking players are all unavailable.”
Lawro continued: “West Brom won't just throw caution to the wind, especially after suffering so many heavy defeats earlier in Sam Allardyce's reign, but this will surely be a game that he looks at as one his side have to win, or at least have a good chance of winning.
“So, if it is goalless with half an hour to go, it will probably be the Baggies who go for it a bit more. The problem with that is they look better on the counter-attack than they do when they are controlling play.”
Meanwhile, Lawro's sparring partner for the week, musician and Liverpool fan Ben Howard, tipped a narrow 2-1 win for the hosts, and revealed that his manager is a Magpies fan who “fears the worst every season”