Lawro Predicts SUNDERLAND Last year's position: Championship champions Lawro's verdict: 20th (relegated) Apologies to Sunderland fans, but I do not see your team staying up. Mick McCarthy did brilliantly last season, but he has been unable to bring in many players during the summer. The Ipswich goalkeeper Kelvin Davis is a decent signing, but I do not see Jon Stead getting enough goals to keep them afloat.
NEWCASTLE Last year's position: 14th Lawro's verdict: 8th I am expecting a much better season from the Magpies, although they are not without their problems. They still have issues to resolve at the back and they were poor away from home last season, something which will have to be solved. But I think Scott Parker and Emre are excellent signings, and Graeme Souness has got rid of Laurent Robert, whose inconsistent form meant he flitted between being an asset and a liability last season.
MIDDLESBROUGH Last year's position: 7th Lawro's verdict: 6th Having Gaizka Mendieta back and fully fit will be a huge boost for Steve McClaren - almost like having a new player. There are goals in this team. If Viduka or Hasselbaink is injured, new signing Yakubu can come in and his physical presence always worries defences. Stewart Downing will hopefully build on his promising campaign in 2004-05 and I see them getting sixth.
I'd have liked us to have strengthened our central defence, and perhaps a replacement for Zenden. I'd have gone for Malbranq from Fulham.
Thats us relegated then Nah thinking we could do well again this season, more of the kids are coming through and will hopefully be given the chance.
Only agree with Boro out of that. We'll do a lot worse than 8th. Still looking forward to visiting Highbury this weekend though.
pretty decent predictions id say....... but u can never tell with safc dont forgot they finished 7th twice with the squad they went down with
