---
title: "Mark Lawrenson predicts difficult afternoon for West Ham"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2021/09/19/mark-lawrenson-predicts-difficult-afternoon-for-west-ham/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2021-09-19T08:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-09-19T08:00:00Z"
---

# Mark Lawrenson predicts difficult afternoon for West Ham

Former Republic of Ireland international Mark Lawrenson has predicted a difficult afternoon for [West Ham](https://readwestham.com/2021/09/17/virals-jack-grealish-jokes-about-declan-rices-rating-following-solo-goal/) today (Sunday 19 September).

The Hammers [welcome Manchester United to the London Stadium](https://www.whufc.com/fixtures/first-team/fixtures-and-results) fresh off the back of contrasting European exploits.

David Moyes’ side were victorious over [Dinamo Zagreb](https://readwestham.com/2021/09/17/darren-bent-calls-for-west-ham-to-prioritise-europa-league/) on Thursday in Croatia whilst earlier in the week the Manchester giants were on the wrong end of a shock defeat at Young Boys in Bern.

Despite the differing fortunes, Lawrenson has backed the Red Devils to prevail in his [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58503412) column.

> West Ham striker Michail Antonio is suspended for this game which is a massive blow for them. I know Manchester United were far from impressive in the Champions League in midweek but I don’t think it will stop them from making it out of their group. If anything, it could be beneficial. The hype around Cristiano Ronaldo’s return might have meant a few people were getting carried away but that defeat should focus them, and remind them how much work they have got to do.

Both sides are [unbeaten in the Premier League](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) and will be looking to close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the table.

### READ WEST HAM VERDICT

The 64-year-old pundit has become [renowned](https://www.90min.com/posts/everything-that-happened-in-world-since-mark-lawrenson-last-predicted-liverpool-lose) for backing against West Ham, but may have some merit on his occasion, albeit 2-0 could be a flattering scoreline prior to kick off.

Michail Antonio’s absence will be felt hard by the Irons and Moyes has a [huge decision](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9946637/The-50-strikers-West-Ham-David-Gold-David-Sullivan-era-Nicola-Vlasic-signing.html) to make as to who leads the line.

The likes of [Jarrod Bowen, Andriy Yarmolenko and new signing Nikola Vlasic](https://www.whufc.com/teams/first-team/squad) will all be in contention to start as the central striker.

Despite the midweek exertions, difficult opponent and enforced selection headache, West Ham will be confident of putting a show on in front of their [home fans](https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2021/may/11-may/west-ham-united-welcomes-confirmation-return-our-supporters) and will be hopeful of achieving a positive result.