Liverpool: Lawro Predicts Cup Clash

What scoreline has former Reds defender Mark Lawrenson plumped for in the latest edition of his prediction feature?...

Ex-Liverpool centre-back turned media pundit Mark Lawrenson has expressed his thoughts ahead of his old side's 3rd Round FA Cup trip to non-league Mansfield Town.

Writing in his regular 'Lawro Predicts' column for the BBC, the 55-year-old unsurprisingly expects Liverpool to progress to the next round of a competition they finished runners-up in last season.

Here's what he had to say in full...

"Mansfield have reached this stage the hard way, after coming through replays in the last two rounds, and this is a massive day for them in front of a full house at Field Mill and the TV cameras.

"The only problem is that they are up against a Liverpool side that is in form and has competition for places up front following the arrival of Daniel Sturridge.

"Sturridge might even start if Brendan Rodgers decides to rest Luis Suarez. Either way, they should have too much for the Stags, who are in mid-table in the Blue Square Bet Premier."

Lawro's prediction: 2-0

Many people are again contemplating a bright future for the Reds after back-to-back 3-0 league wins and with the prospect of further new arrivals to boost the squad.

Lawrenson has issued a note of caution on the matter however, adding: "Liverpool played well to beat Sunderland on Wednesday and go eighth but they have not beaten any of the teams above them in the League this season. They play Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City in the next four weeks, all away, so this will be a very big month for them."

About this former LFC player
Mark Lawrenson joined Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion for a then club record £900k in the summer of 1981. The Republic of Ireland international centre-back soon struck up a formidable partnership with Alan Hansen after injury to club stalwart Phil Thompson. After 332 appearances, Lawrenson left the club in 1989 and after a season playing in the American Soccer League went on to manage Oxford United and Peterborough United. During his time at Anfield 'Lawro' won 5 league titles, 3 League Cups, a European Cup and an FA Cup.

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