Lawro's Predictions

[grey_squirrel]

Wigan (Away)

This is an interesting game. I rarely use the word 'fantastic' but Reading had a fantastic win over Everton last time out.

I watched that game and the Royals were absolutely battered in the first half. But they hung on at 1-0 down, which in itself is a great sign.

Having come back to win that game, they also have a little bit of confidence now to take to the DW Stadium - and Wigan's unpredictability means they will feel they have got a decent chance of quickly racking up their second league win of the season, having waited so long for their first.

Wigan were competitive until just after half-time at Anfield in their last game, before Luis Suarez weaved his magic to settle that game.

Having beaten West Ham and Tottenham so impressively, Wigan have now lost to West Brom and Liverpool and I think the Latics would be delighted with a draw here.

Prediction: 1-1

- - - - - - - - -

Fair enough IMO

[winchester_royal]

I doubt too many Wigan fans will be happy with a draw at home to us tbh

[Royal Bahamas]

I doubt too many Wigan fans will be happy with a draw at home to us tbh

....So they'll be really miffed when we beat them, won't they!?!?!

[Ian Royal]

I doubt too many Wigan fans will be happy with a draw at home to us tbh

....So they'll be really miffed when we beat them, won't they!?!?!

If - definitely.

[Z175]

Have you seem his Everton one though? 5 or 6?! 3 definitely, so 3 or 4 up would be a fair thing to say. But 5 or 6 is pushing it!

I know this seems defensive, but I genuinely think he as an anti readingfc bias, and while no doubt incessant.complaints have forced him to retreat to neutrality, he's still sneaking gibes in. Just check out the Lawro league table for confirmation!

[Royal91]

Have you seem his Everton one though? 5 or 6?! 3 definitely, so 3 or 4 up would be a fair thing to say. But 5 or 6 is pushing it!

I know this seems defensive, but I genuinely think he as an anti readingfc bias, and while no doubt incessant.complaints have forced him to retreat to neutrality, he's still sneaking gibes in. Just check out the Lawro league table for confirmation!

He will happily rip into our first half performance but fail to note that we then battered Everton for the second half.

[Stuboo]

I know this seems defensive, but I genuinely think he as an anti readingfc bias, and while no doubt incessant.complaints have forced him to retreat to neutrality, he's still sneaking gibes in. Just check out the Lawro league table for confirmation!

I totally agree and was thinking the same thing. It's been such a dramatic turn around in his comments, it's as if someone has "had a word." Still a nob though and we'd be better off without him on our TV, internet and radio IMHO.

[Snowball]

I know this seems defensive, but I genuinely think he as an anti readingfc bias, and while no doubt incessant.complaints have forced him to retreat to neutrality, he's still sneaking gibes in. Just check out the Lawro league table for confirmation!

I totally agree and was thinking the same thing. It's been such a dramatic turn around in his comments, it's as if someone has "had a word." Still a nob though and we'd be better off without him on our TV, internet and radio IMHO.

Could it not be the simple fact that we started with a draw v an ordinary Stoke side, then lost 3 on the trot

But since then have W1 D5 L1 (1-0 at Anfield)

IOW we looked guaranteed relegation fodder after 4 games, now we look like maybe we have a small chance of finishing 4th/5th bottom

[Wimb]

I liked you better when you were tipping us for the top Snowers

But do agree broadly.

[Z175]

I know this seems defensive, but I genuinely think he as an anti readingfc bias, and while no doubt incessant.complaints have forced him to retreat to neutrality, he's still sneaking gibes in. Just check out the Lawro league table for confirmation!

I totally agree and was thinking the same thing. It's been such a dramatic turn around in his comments, it's as if someone has "had a word." Still a nob though and we'd be better off without him on our TV, internet and radio IMHO.

Could it not be the simple fact that we started with a draw v an ordinary Stoke side, then lost 3 on the trot

But since then have W1 D5 L1 (1-0 at Anfield)

IOW we looked guaranteed relegation fodder after 4 games, now we look like maybe we have a small chance of finishing 4th/5th bottom

You could argue that but if you want to give Lawro credit, he would need to comment on our real problems, drawing too many, lack of defensive concentration etc but he's gone for comments such as "where are the goals going to come from" which suggest at best he's got no knowledge or interest of us, or at worst he enjoys slagging us off.

And a small chance snowball?! What's happened to you?! We will stay up comfortably, and the loaves and fish waving can commence.

[Ian Royal]

I certainly hope so, I would dearly love to post a loaf and a fish to Mr Lawrenson C/O MOTD.

[philM]

I certainly hope so, I would dearly love to post a loaf and a fish to Mr Lawrenson C/O MOTD.

[SydenhamRoyal]

I certainly hope so, I would dearly love to post a loaf and a fish to Mr Lawrenson C/O MOTD.

The same thought had occurred ...

[Ian Royal]

I certainly hope so, I would dearly love to post a loaf and a fish to Mr Lawrenson C/O MOTD.

The same thought had occurred ...

I imagine someone may try and organise something at a more appropriate time should we get lucky.

[Lacoste]

Aston Villa v Reading (20:00 GMT)
Reading played well at Wigan on Saturday but still lost.

Yes, they should have had a penalty when Jay Tabb was fouled in the area but they then got to the stage at 2-2 where they chased the win a little bit and paid for it when the Latics broke away to score. Still, you can tell the Royals have a bit of a spring in their step after getting their first win over Everton and it is a positive thing that they now think they can win games.

Villa are just above them in the relegation zone and the Royals will have a go at them too.

Paul Lambert does not have many established Premier League players in his Villa team at the moment - but he is going to do things his way.

He has to, really, because the club has massively reduced its wage bill. Lambert has lots of kids coming through and has signed young players too but it looks to me as if they need a little bit more experience.

They badly need a win and I think they might just sneak one here, although it will be very close.

Looking further forward, though, it is obvious Lambert does not rate Darren Bent, after leaving him out of his squad for Saturday's draw with Arsenal.

It looks like Lambert will try to sell Bent in January and you would think he will try to bring in a few new players with the funds. They will hold the key to Villa's survival.

Prediction: 2-1

WEDNESDAY

[SydenhamRoyal]

I certainly hope so, I would dearly love to post a loaf and a fish to Mr Lawrenson C/O MOTD.

The same thought had occurred ...

I imagine someone may try and organise something at a more appropriate time should we get lucky.

Well volunteered I say

[grey_squirrel]

v. Man U

Reading probably looked at this fixture a few weeks ago and were hoping for Manchester United to have a massive Champions League game next week. As it is, United are already through as group winners and they will be totally focused on this game.

So the Royals, who beat Everton in their last home game, will be up against Sir Alex Ferguson's strongest team, with a young United side likely to face CFR Cluj on Wednesday.

Because of that, I see this as a pretty straightforward United win. I just don't think Reading have got the quality needed to trouble them, although I said the same the other week about Norwich and look how well they played.

The difference with the Royals, however, is that I cannot see a matchwinner when I look through their side. Brian McDermott has plenty of willing workers in his side, but they lack inspiration.

Ferguson, meanwhile, has started to get competition for places back in defence, where he has a choice of Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones at the moment.

As with Manchester City, United have not really played well this season but, along with their neighbours, they are still pulling away at the top of the table.

Prediction: 0-2

[bobby1413]

v. Man U

Reading probably looked at this fixture a few weeks ago and were hoping for Manchester United to have a massive Champions League game next week. As it is, United are already through as group winners and they will be totally focused on this game.

So the Royals, who beat Everton in their last home game, will be up against Sir Alex Ferguson's strongest team, with a young United side likely to face CFR Cluj on Wednesday.

Because of that, I see this as a pretty straightforward United win. I just don't think Reading have got the quality needed to trouble them, although I said the same the other week about Norwich and look how well they played.

The difference with the Royals, however, is that I cannot see a matchwinner when I look through their side. Brian McDermott has plenty of willing workers in his side, but they lack inspiration.

Ferguson, meanwhile, has started to get competition for places back in defence, where he has a choice of Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones at the moment.

As with Manchester City, United have not really played well this season but, along with their neighbours, they are still pulling away at the top of the table.

Prediction: 0-2

Unfortunately I completely agree with that.

[Royalclapper]

Fair assessment. Don't especially dislike Lawro, he's one of the only pundits who doesn't give a shit about having to cosy up to anyone. Says it like it is most of the time, bit of a misery at times though.

[Royal91]

For once I can not argue with his assessment!



Still a complete C**** though