Liverpool legend, Mark Lawrenson has predicted Arsenal to defeat West Ham United on Saturday afternoon within the Premier League fixture on the London Stadium.
He additionally tipped Chelsea to beat Newcastle United in tonight’s Premier League fixture.
In line with Lawrenson, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will play a draw with Brighton and Hove Albion within the Premier League on Saturday night.
“In the Premier League, the Hammers’ form has been very up and down in recent weeks, but the same could be said about the Gunners,” Lawrenson advised BBC Sport.
“I’m going for an Arsenal win right here, however it’s clear that Unai Emery nonetheless has plenty of work to do.
“He has solely been in cost for half a season and I feel that, after they come up towards the highest groups, the identical issues nonetheless stay.
“The primary challenge is on the again. Would I again them defensively? No, completely not. Too lots of their defenders aren’t Champions League degree, which is the usual they want them to be at.
“Both of these sides are safely into the next round of the FA Cup after beating lower league sides – I was at Blackpool for BBC Radio 5 live to see Arsenal cruise through.”
Commenting on the Chelsea vs Newcastle recreation, Lawrenson mentioned: “Newcastle supervisor Rafael Benitez acquired an ideal welcome at Anfield when he went again with the Magpies over Christmas, however I don’t assume he’ll get the identical kind of reception on Saturday at one other of his former golf equipment.
“Sadly for Benitez, I can see him being on the incorrect finish of the same end result – though I don’t see Chelsea hammering Newcastle the best way that Liverpool did.
“It seems to be just like the Blues are going to get a brand new striker in January, we simply don’t know who it is going to be but.
“They need one because they have been a bit short of goals recently but, in the meantime, I still think they will be too strong for the Magpies.”
On the Brighton vs Liverpool recreation, Lawrenson mentioned: “Liverpool have gotten an issue in central defence with Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip injured, and I think Fabinho will play there – I can’t see what else Reds boss Jurgen Klopp would do.
“Ki-Jana Hoever did nice when he got here on for Lovren towards Wolves, however you wouldn’t wish to chuck a 16-year-old in at Brighton as a result of he would have Glenn Murray to take care of.
“I do know the Seagulls aren’t probably the most attacking workforce, and Liverpool turned them over simply at Amex Stadium final season, however Murray towards a child? No, he would have an excessive amount of expertise for him.
“It is a actually good check for Liverpool, on the again of their defeat by Manchester Metropolis after which their defeat at Molineux after Klopp determined the FA Cup was not in his prime two priorities.
“It might clearly be preferable for Liverpool to be at Anfield as they appear to bounce again this weekend, particularly as a result of the factor about Brighton is that they’re superb at stopping groups from taking part in. Brighton have gotten an excellent house document too, which is why I’m going for a draw right here.
“I don’t know whether or not this is perhaps a little bit bump within the street for Liverpool however, if I’m proper they usually drop factors on Saturday, I might additionally again them to return to successful methods of their house video games towards Crystal Palace and Leicester earlier than the tip of the month.
“There are 11 days between the Palace and Leicester matches and, because Liverpool are out of the FA Cup, Klopp will be able to give his players a few days off to rest their bodies, and clear their heads.”