"This will undoubtedly be one of Liverpool's more difficult league games between now and the end of the season". Mark Lawrenson's EPL predictions

Manchester United could do neighbours Manchester City a huge favour when they host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Liverpool need at least a point to go back to the top of the Premier League on a day when City are playing Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final - but will they get it at Old Trafford against their bitter rivals?


Saturday

Burnley vs Tottenham

It is great news for Tottenham that Harry Kane is back in training, although I would be surprised if he is thrown straight back in for this game.

Spurs are on a good run, and have shown they do not rely on the England striker, but I see this trip as a very tough test for them.

I have been very impressed with Burnley in recent weeks. They are unbeaten in the league since Boxing Day, and their performances have been as good as their results.

A big improvement in the Clarets' defence has played a big part in that and I don't think they will give much away on Saturday either.

Lawro's prediction: 1-1


Bournemouth v Wolves

I was going to back Bournemouth here, because I have seen them do this before - they go away and get rolled over - as has happened in their past two games at Cardiff and Liverpool - then they turn up with a very different performance at home.

But Callum Wilson and David Brooks are both out injured for the Cherries, which is a big blow for them.

Wolves are going very well - into the FA Cup sixth round and with three wins in their past four league games.

It says a lot that they will have been disappointed to only draw with Newcastle in their last league game, but they are still in seventh in the table and they have the chance to really kick on now.

Lawro's prediction: 1-2

Newcastle v Huddersfield

This is a game Newcastle really have to win, and they could climb a few places up the table if they do.

The Magpies should win it too - they are playing a team who are bottom and have taken one point from their past 13 games.

I just don't fancy Huddersfield to score at the moment, which is another reason I think Rafa Benitez's side will come out on top.

Lawro's prediction: 2-0

Sunday

Arsenal vs Southampton

Southampton dropped into the relegation zone after losing to Cardiff last time out, and I think they might stay there for a while longer.

Arsenal have got some issues they need to sort out - Mesut Ozil's future being one of them - but their home record is very good and they should still be too strong for Saints.

Lawro's prediction: 2-0


Manchester United v Liverpool 

Manchester United were excellent at Chelsea in the FA Cup on Monday - the result, and their performance too.

It was probably their best display under interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, bearing in mind it came after they had been easily dealt with by Paris St-Germain.

Paul Pogba was impressive again at Stamford Bridge and his improvement since Jose Mourinho was sacked is an example of how playing under a different manager can transform a player.

It is true he should have been doing better under Mourinho, but it is perfectly obvious that Pogba needs loving to get the best out of him.

He is such a good player that it is worth keeping him happy and when you have got someone as good as him playing well, it brings all the other players up to his level.

With United playing at the level they are, this will undoubtedly be one of Liverpool's more difficult league games between now and the end of the season.

They have to deal with the history of the whole Manchester United-Liverpool rivalry, and everything that goes with it, as well as United's recent revival. The atmosphere at Old Trafford will be white-hot.

To come away with anything, the Reds will have to keep their heads.

I know from playing in this fixture myself that the tackles will be flying in, so discipline is vital. No-one can afford to make a stupid lunge at someone early on because they will get sent off for it.

Lawro's prediction: 1-1

Source: BBC

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