Liverpool: Lawro Predicts Wigan Result

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 old side's Premier League visit to Wigan Athletic on Saturday evening.

Writing in his regular 'Lawro Predicts' column for the BBC, the 55-year-old revealed he expects a close encounter with the hosts' greater need for points likely to be rewarded by a draw.

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

"Wigan had an impressive win over Reading last week, and their performance was as good as the result - they made it look very easy.

"So it would appear that another Wigan escape act has started, and a month before the clocks go forward too, which means I was four weeks out with my prediction of when their form would improve.

"I can see the Latics getting some more positive results in a row now too. It seems to be what happens to lots of teams in the bottom 10 of the Premier League. Look at Reading and Norwich before them this season, who quickly amassed a few points after a lean spell.

"Without having any bias, I am one of those people who like to see a club like Wigan in the Premier League. Their resources are minimal but survive by bringing in cheap players, making them better and selling them on, then restarting the process.

"They know their players are going to get their heads turned by bigger clubs if they do well but they deal with it - it's a win-win situation.

"The Latics should give Liverpool a decent test, too. The Reds have had a break after having last weekend off, which should help, but this is not a happy hunting ground for them.

"Liverpool have not won at the DW Stadium since September 2007 and I remember going to a game there in 2010 when they were very poor and Hugo Rodallega scored the winner for Wigan.

"Brendan Rodgers' side will have to be on their game this time."

Lawro's prediction: 2-1

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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