Tarquin Football

Beat Lawro Retirement

2010-08-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

I thought they had been ended like a fair bit of the BBC's football blogs, but Lawro's useless predictions are back

Unfortunately I have come to the conclusion that it is too laboursome to post them every week, as much as I love to prove him wrong, it was hard work typing it all out, and I don't have the time anymore - and this week I found myself hoping it had finished - a sure sign it was time to stop

I will still follow them and attempt to beat him, but no more weekly blogs

End of Season

2010-05-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's all over!

I haven't counted yet, but I'm confident

Tarquin and Lawro both got 6 right

Lawro got 2 perfect, Tarquin only one

Tarquin = 4.5
Lawro = 6

Lawro wins the final week! A shame to not end on a high

Final Standings

40 weeks played, 391 matches
22-17 to Tarquin (1 draw)

Lawro - 215 right, 48 perfects - 170.5 points
Tarquin - 218 right, 49 perfects - 179 points

It is however, a comprehensive victory - more right, more perfect, more points, and more weeks won

Whether it was on consistency, perfect scores, or just plain old right/wrong, I won!

It was however, far tighter than I had hoped

Tarquin got 55% right, 12.5% perfect

It's down 13 points on last season, although that was a late addition and this was the first full season, also my perfect ratio was up over 2% - which is excellent considering the larger number of games

Lawro is also down to just under 55% right, a slightly better loss than myself, but his perfects are way down - from 19% to 12.2%

I feel I must do better, at least 70% I think to be called a good tipper - perfect scores? I don't actually rate them that highly, it's principally luck, often the difference between 2-0, 2-1 or 3-0, and to be honest the more you get right, the more chance you get of a perfect score!

I also feel they weigh it down somewhat, Lawro got a lot of perfects during our test run last season, but far less tips right - that indicates that he's benefiting from pure luck, getting games like Chelsea v Wigan or Sunderland, which we can all call, spot on, while failing to analyse tighter games correctly

On to next year! (Or the world cup...)

Beat Lawro - 2009/10 Final

2010-05-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

We're into the last week, Tarquin is ahead by:

Last week:

Lawro got six right (out of 10) - One perfects = 5
Tarquin got seven right - No perfect = 6

Standings

39 weeks played, 381 matches
22-16 to Tarquin (1 draw)

Lawro - 209 right, 46 perfects - 164.5 points
Tarquin - 212 right, 48 perfects - 174.5 points

Tarquin has a lead of 3 predictions, 2 perfects and ten points going into the final round - Lawro needs something super-special here

Arsenal v Fulham

L: 2-0    T: 2-0

Villa v Blackburn

L: 2-0    T: 1-0

Bolton v Birmingham

L: 2-1   T: 1-1

Burnley v Spurs

L: 1-2   T: 0-1

Chelsea v Wigan

L: 4-0   T: 3-0 (A rare foray above the 3 goal rule for Lawro, for you punters: the missus has gone for 6-1)

Everton v Portsmouth

Both 2-0

Hull v Liverpool

L: 1-2   T: 0-2

United v Stoke

Both 2-0

West Ham v Citeh

Both 1-1

Wolves v Sunderland

L: 1-1 T: 1-0

Beat Lawro 38

2010-04-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

Lawro got seven right (out of 10) - No perfects = 5.5
Tarquin got Five right - No perfect = 0.5

Standings

38 weeks played, 371 matches
21-16 to Tarquin (1 draw)

Lawro - 203 right, 45 perfects - 159.5 points
Tarquin - 205 right, 48 perfects - 168.5 points

Beat Lawro 37

2010-04-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

Lawro got 3 right (out of 10) - No perfects = -4
Tarquin got 3 right - One perfect = -2

Standings

37 weeks played, 361 matches
21-15 to Tarquin (1 draw)

Lawro - 196 right, 45 perfects - 154 points
Tarquin - 200 right, 48 perfects - 168 points

Beat Lawro 36

2010-04-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Lawro got 3 right (out of 8) - No perfects = -1.5
Tarquin got 4 right - No perfect = 2

Standings

36 weeks played, 351 matches
20-15 to Tarquin (1 draw)

Lawro - 193 right, 45 perfects - 158 points
Tarquin - 197 right, 47 perfects - 170 points

Beat Lawro 35

2010-04-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

Lawro got five right...No perfects = 2
Tarquin got six right - One perfect = 6

Standings

35 weeks played, 343 matches
19-15 to Tarquin

Lawro - 190 right, 45 perfects - 159.5 points
Tarquin - 193 right, 47 perfects - 168 points

He streaks away...

Beat Lawro..ummm...34?

2010-04-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

Update for last week...god I'm rubbish lately

Lawro got eight right...2 perfects = 11.5
Tarquin got eight right - 4 perfect!! = 14!

Standings

34 weeks played, 333 matches
18-15 to Tarquin

Lawro - 185 right, 45 perfects - 157.5 points
Tarquin - 187 right, 46 perfects - 162 points

Week 33 results

2010-03-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

We both got five right, two perfects and 10 points...

Standings

33 weeks played, 323 matches
17-15 to Tarquin

Lawro - 177 right, 43 perfects - 146 points
Tarquin - 179 right, 42 perfects - 148 points

Beat Lawro 33

2010-03-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

Some quick tips! Lawro's mentioned where relevant

Villa v Wolves

Fairly obvious choice - I've gone for three, even if Martin does have a million games in March - 3-0

Everton v Bolton

Everton have turned it on lately, can't see past a home win against Bolton - 2-0

Portsmouth v Hull

Relegation special - new manager at Hull, in a way it'll be nice to have the big lug on MOTD every week, but this is one of the few Pompey could expect to have a chance of winning, and there's no need for nerves at Pompey now - their players are in the shop window now, as usual with Hull, don't bet on anything...except Jimmy Bullard - 2-1

Stoke v Spurs

Spurs are rubbish away, and Defoe is injured, among others, in fact, their injury list looks a little like this:
Bentley, Jenas, Lennon & Woodgate (all groin), Cudicini (broken wrists), Defoe (hamstring), Huddlestone (ankle), King (thigh), Rose (knee), Walker (arm) and Stoke are particularly tough away, I don't fancy many goals - 1-0

Sunderland v Birmingham

We finally differ - he's gone for the Cats, I've gone for the good team - really does depend on the day 1-2

Wigan v Burnley

Oh god, if anyone is going to cock-up Burnley at home it's Wigan - it could be 7-0, it could be 0-1, or anything inbetween - I'm 3-1

Arsenal v West Ham

Surely a question of 'how many'? 3-1

United v Liverpool

Lawro has, as always, gone for the one-all, despite there not being a single 'big 4' draw all season as yet - not that it won't happen, Liverpool will show up with 7 centre backs and chuck it to Torres, so I don't expect fireworks, I'm favouring United 2-1

Fulham v City

Hard to call, City are all over the place still - their one away win against a league side in 2010 came against...Chelsea, and then they can't beat Sunderland...(although I would point out Liverpool are worse away...losing seven!) and Fulham are decent at home - but they should be tired after that Juve game, I'm going for the draw 1-1 (Lawro 0-2)

Blackburn v Chelsea

Tough game for Chelsea, I work with a Chelsea fan who's convinced they're going to throw the title away - this would be a good place to start, but I'm going with form, and a response to the Inter defeat 1-2

Beat Lawro 32

2010-03-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

Lawro got Nine results right, One perfect score = 12.5
Tarquin got eight, One perfect score = 10

Standings

32 weeks played, 313 matches
17-15 to Tarquin

Lawro - 172 right, 41 perfects - 141 points
Tarquin - 174 right, 40 perfects - 143 points

I might actually do some predictions first this weekend....!

Beat Lawro 31

2010-03-09T15:08:00.000-08:00

So lazy yet again!

Lawro = Seven right, two perfect = 10
Tarquin = Six right, two perfect = 7.5

I would like to point out that I got Portsmouth v Birmingham spot on in the league repeat...but oh no we're not paying that one...

Standings

31 weeks played, 303 matches
17-14 to Tarquin

Lawro - 163 right, 40 perfects - 128.5 points
Tarquin - 166 right, 39 perfects - 133 points

Beat Lawro 30 results

2010-03-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

Lawro = 4.5
Tarquin = 2.5

Standings

30 weeks played, 294 matches
17-13 to Tarquin

Lawro - 156 right, 38 perfects - 118.5 points
Tarquin - 160 right, 37 perfects - 125.5 points

Beat Lawro 30

2010-02-27T01:43:00.000-08:00

I'm being sloppy..

Last week Lawro got seven right, three perfects = 11
Tarquin got eight right, no perfects... = 8.5

Standings

29 weeks played, 286 matches
17-12 to Tarquin

Lawro - 151 right, 37 perfects - 114 points
Tarquin - 156 right, 36 perfects - 123 points

Just Nine this week...

Chelsea v Man City (1245 GMT)

City on the road? Don't make me laugh

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Birmingham v Wigan

Birmingham have lost some of that magic form, but they're under no pressure - I think this game will put them past the holy 40 point mark

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Bolton v Wolverhampton

A must win for Bolton, if you can't beat Wolves at home then who can you beat?

...Burnley is the answer, but this is a six-pointer and although Wolves stand a chance I'm going for a home victory

Verdict: 2-0

Tarquin: 2-0

Burnley v Portsmouth

Yes Lawro...Pompey could be dangerous...

Granted they could do something at Burnley this week, and I've gone for a stalemate (although I've backed Burnley in other comps) but in general, they're as rubbish as always - they simply do not have quality - this is game 27 Lawro and I've been right 23 of those - stick with the numbers!! They're crap, not unlucky

Verdict: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Stoke v Arsenal (1730 GMT)

One would think Arsenal would come back against Stoke, but that's assuming they are Chelsea, or United, or Villa...not Arsenal, who haven't been able to handle a physical game in about seven years, they don't even have that hard-man, Gallas, available - they can of course win, but I'd favour ze bullies

Verdict: 0-2
Tarquin: 2-1

SUNDAY
Tottenham v Everton (1300 GMT)

Tottenham are good at home and I think Everton are likely to be fatigued, but both teams are suffering with injuries - if there's no Defoe or Crouch as well as Lennon, Cahill, Fellaini...then this could be dull, home win for me

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Liverpool v Blackburn

Lawro thinks Liverpool are playing well? Based on the game with City, Arsenal or the Romanian nobodies? They'll still win, but Lawro's still an idiot

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Sunderland v Fulham

Finally a win for Sunderland is due, hopefully

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Carling Cup Final
Aston Villa v Man Utd (1500 GMT)

This should be one of the best Carling Cup finals we've seen in years - Villa have got a really good chance and this will be all about the effectiveness of Rooney and if Villa can get past the ramshackle defence, there will be goals! (I hope) - I'm an old romantic and am backing Villa

Verdict: 1-2
Tarquin: 3-2

Beat Lawro week 29

2010-02-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

Standings

28 weeks played, 276 matches
17-11 to Tarquin

Lawro - 144 right, 34 perfects - 103 points
Tarquin - 148 right, 36 perfects - 114.5 points

Arsenal v Sunderland

Even with Arsenal's dodgy patch lately, can't see past a home win, particularly with Sunderland's away form - though they could get a goal, everybody gets a goal at the Emirates

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-1

Everton v Manchester United

Difficult, Everton are solid and I'm favouring them very slightly based on United's weaknesses and that tough European game midweek, but this could easily go either way

Verdict: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Portsmouth v Stoke

Stoke's last three games have all been 1-1, even if they're not great away they've clung on at City, Wigan and Sunderland, so surely at Portsmouth they'll at least get the point too

Verdict: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1

West Ham v Hull

A good old six pointer, which usually results in a two-pointer - but both these sides are decent at home and poor away, and the Hammers are picking up a bit so I'll plump for a home win

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin; 1-0

Wolves v Chelsea

Even if Chelsea are prone to slip-ups on the road I think they'll beat Wolves, simple as that really

Verdict: 0-2
Tarquin 1-2

SUNDAY
Aston Villa v Burnley

Villa may rest some players...will that be a fine? Anyway, it's hard to see anything but a home win, even if they have got one eye on two big cup games

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Blackburn v Bolton

Blackburn have excellent home form (results-wise, not style-wise), and well...Bolton don't, even allowing for the whole reunion thing, it's a home win for me

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Fulham v Birmingham

Anyone's guess, Fulham may be tired from Thursday, but we don't know what's going to come out of the Midlands this week - my gut is with the home side

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin; 1-0

Manchester City v Liverpool

Frankly I'm amazed that Mancini is still in a job seeing as he's responsible for fifty percent of City's losses already, but I'll never get that sacking...ho hum, anyway, Liverpool lumber from problem to problem, and play on Thursday..so they'll probably win, but I reckon another tetchy draw for City

Verdict: 2-2
Tarquin: 1-1

Wigan v Tottenham

I'm going for another dull 0-0

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 0-0

Week 28 results

2010-02-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

Chelsea 4-1 Cardiff

Lawro 1
Tarquin 1

Derby 1-2 Birmingham

Lawro -1
Tarquin 1.5
Man City 1-1 Stoke

Lawro -1
Tarquin -1
Reading 2-2 West Brom

Lawro -1
Tarquin -1
Southampton 1-4 Pompey

Lawro -1
Tarquin -1
Bolton 1-1 Spurs

Lawro -1
Tarquin 3
Palace 2-2 Villa

Lawro -1
Tarquin -1
Fulham 4-0 Notts County

Lawro 1
Tarquin 1

Lawro got 2 right (/8), no perfects = -4
Tarquin got 4 right, one perfect score = 2.5

Standings

28 weeks played, 276 matches
17-11 to Tarquin

Lawro - 144 right, 34 perfects - 103 points
Tarquin - 148 right, 36 perfects - 114.5 points

Beat Lawro 28

2010-02-13T01:38:00.000-08:00

Just eight FA cup ties this week..yay!

Chelsea v Cardiff (1200 GMT)

No Terry or Cole, but Cardiff are suffering with injury and there's enough talent at the bridge to deal with them

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Derby v Birmingham

Depends on who McLeish fields, but I think Birmingham should be favourites

Verdict: 1-1
Tarquin: 0-1

Manchester City v Stoke (1715 GMT)

Stoke shouldn't be too much of a worry on the road - but this is the man with a 100 million quid squad who lost to Hull...good for Hughes, I say!

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Reading v West Brom

Reading may have got some results in the cup, but West Brom know how to play them and should be favourites now

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 0-2

Southampton v Portsmouth (1230 GMT)

Saints...the stats tell me to always back a Pompey loss

Verdict: 2-2
Tarquin: 1-0

SUNDAY
Bolton v Tottenham (1330 GMT)

Spurs will probably win, but I am going for a draw because they've been a bit ropey lately

Verdict: 1-2
Tarquin: 1-1

Crystal Palace v Aston Villa (1545 GMT)

I hope Villa are hungry for this cup now, they should be aiming for a trophy

Verdict: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-2

Fulham v Notts County

Fulham aren't exactly stoic like last year, but they have the talent to beat County, as much as I love the idea of a cash-strapped league two side being in the last eight

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Beat Lawro 27

2010-02-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

Laziness took over and I just skipped the writing bit...but I have results!

Fulham 3-0 Burnley

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: 1

Man City 2-0 Bolton

Lawro: 3
Tarquin: 3

Portsmouth 1-1 Sunderland

Lawro: -1
Tarquin:2

Wigan 1-1 Stoke

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Villa 1-1 United

Lawro: 3

Tarquin: 3

Blackburn 1-0 Hull

Lawro: 1.5
Tarquin: 3

Everton 2-1 Chelsea

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

West Ham 2-0 Birmingham

Lawro: 3
Tarquin: -1

Wolves 1-0 Spurs

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Lawro got 4 right, three perfect scores = 4.5
Tarquin got 5 right, three perfect scores = 7

Standings

27 weeks played, 268 matches
16-11 to Tarquin

Lawro - 142 right, 34 perfects - 107 points
Tarquin - 144 right, 35 perfects - 112 points

Beat Lawro Week 26 Results

2010-02-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

Liverpool 1-0 Everton

Tarquin: 1.5
Lawro: -1

Bolton 0-0 Fulham

Tarquin: 2

Lawro: -1

Burnley 2-1 West Ham

Tarquin: 1.5

Lawro: -1

Hull 2-1 City

Tarquin: -1
Lawro: -1

Man United 5-0 Portsmouth

Tarquin: 1

Lawro: 1

Stoke 3-0 Blackburn

Tarquin: 1

Lawro: 1

Sunderland 1-1 Wigan

Tarquin: -1
Lawro: -1

Tottenham 0-0 Villa

Tarquin: 2
Lawro: -1

Birmingham 2-1 Wolves

Tarquin: 1.5

Lawro: 1.5 (can't say I'm not fair...)

Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal

Tarquin: 3

Lawro: 3

Tarquin got 8 right (/10) - One perfect score = 11.5
Lawro got 4 right - One perfect score = 0.5

About time!

Standings

26 weeks played, 258 matches
15-11 to Tarquin

Lawro - 138 right, 31 perfects - 102.5 points
Tarquin - 139 right, 32 perfects - 105 points

Beat Lawro 26

2010-02-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

Oh wonderful, once again BBC alter their Lawro format...and I'm tired...

Liverpool v Everton (1245 GMT)

Everton are in great form, and Liverpool aren't, as usual - but Moyes just won manager of the month, or 'the kiss of death', and everyone expects an upset - surely it's a home win then

Verdict: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Bolton v Fulham

Seriously Lawro, no more f***ing Andy Johnson...what is his obsession? Let me tell you some facts about Johnson - 14 Premier League goals in four years, 8 games this season - no goals, currently ranked below the likes of Santa Cruz (half the minutes played, two goals), Kitson and Sidibe in the fantasy league stats, the only bigger waste of space would be Pavlyuchenko - so take your head out of the Crystal Palace clouds, Lawro! Oh...draw

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Burnley v West Ham

This is a must-win for Burnley, they need home wins, and they don't come much better than West Ham, even with new owners and the likes of Mido and Benni McCarthy they shouldn't be a threat - if Laws can't get three here they are down (and yes I've bet on it)

Verdict: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Hull City v Manchester City

Hull can duke it out, but not consistently - the averages are against them, and with City's individual talents I am only seeing City..if not, time for a sacking!

Verdict: 0-2
Tarquin: 1-2

Manchester United v Portsmouth

If you expect a rout you won't get one

meh...

Verdict: 3-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Stoke City v Blackburn

Stoke should be fine here, a few long balls here, some typical away defending from Blackburn there...

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Sunderland v Wigan

I'll do the same as Sunderland's last home game...and hopefully this time it'll go to plan

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin 1-0

Tottenham v Aston Villa (1730 GMT)

Game of the day perhaps...the tussle for fourth, I fancy Villa but I've gone for a draw

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1

SUNDAY
Birmingham v Wolves (1330 GMT)

Nothing wrong with Birmingham, they only lost at the Bridge...if it wasn't a derby this'd be clear-cut, still going for a home win though

Tarquin 1-0
Lawro??? (He said Birmingham small win)

Chelsea v Arsenal (1600 GMT)

Arsenal will respond to that drubbing last week, but...it's still Chelsea, and maybe expect something from Terry..again

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Beat Lawro 25 Results

2010-02-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

Birmingham 1-1 Spurs

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Fulham 0-2 Villa

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: -1

Hull 2-2 Wolves

Lawro: 2
Tarquin: -1

Liverpool 2-0 Bolton

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 3

West Ham 0-0 Blackburn

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: 3

Wigan 0-1 Everton

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1.5

Burnley 1-2 Chelsea

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1

Man City 2-0 Pompey

Lawro: 3
Tarquin: 1

Arsenal 1-3 United

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Sunderland 0-0 Stoke

Lawro: 2
Tarquin: -1

Lawro got seven (/10) right, with one perfect score = 8pts
Tarquin got five right, with two perfect scores = 4.5

Standings

25 weeks played, 248 matches
14-11 to Tarquin

Lawro - 134 right, 30 perfects - 102 points
Tarquin - 131 right, 31 perfects - 93.5 points

This makes no sense - when he had more perfects it kept him level...

Beat Lawro 25

2010-01-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

Standings

24 weeks played, 238 matches
14-10 to Tarquin

Lawro - 127 right, 29 perfects - 94 points
Tarquin - 126 right, 29 perfects - 89 points

Birmingham v Tottenham

Can hardly fault Birmingham for going down at the Bridge can you? Spurs are still far from convincing, easy opposition at home is one thing...

they'll destroy them now...bet on Spurs, seriously

Verdict: 0-2 Tarquin: 1-0

Fulham v Aston Villa

Difficult, neither side has had a good win in a month (league), Villa haven't even scored since before Christmas, but we all know they're a good side, and it really depends on who turns up...for both sides, sometimes Fulham turn it on at home, other times they're a bit ropey, so I'm going for a draw

Verdict: 1-2 Tarquin: 1-1

Hull v Wolves

One home game I'd expect Hull to win, though don't count on it

Verdict: 0-0 Tarquin: 1-0

Liverpool v Bolton

The sort of game I'd expect Liverpool to throw away two perfectly good points, but now they're getting desperate they'll probably win - and Lawro's analysis is right for once - stop playing 10 defenders, Rafa! Put Benayoun on!

Verdict: 2-1 Tarquin: 2-0

West Ham v Blackburn

Blackburn are the fourth worst away team in the league (behind Burnley, Hull and Sunderland, if you're interested) - even West Ham will fancy this, but Benni to score? I'd say that about a real striker...but Benni? OK, maybe West Ham will get a penalty, but that's as far as I'm going

Verdict: 2-1 Tarquin: 0-0

Wigan v Everton

Mikel is back! My favourite fantasy league player! Unfortunately with Liverpool, Chelsea and United up next I'm not getting him just yet, but good for Everton to have him back - did you know Wigan have only played one home game in nearly 2 months? Well they have, I'm favouring Mikel to set up a few...

Verdict: 0-2 Tarquin: 1-2

Burnley v Chelsea (1730 GMT)

I think it'll be too hard to keep Chelsea off the scoresheet, Burnley ended that famous run in October, four draws since, but not Chelsea, surely...

Verdict: 0-2 Tarquin: 0-3

SUNDAY
Man City v Portsmouth (1330 GMT)

I did put that relegation bet on at the start of the season didn't I? I wonder if it applies to non-existent clubs...

Verdict: 2-0 Tarquin: 4-0

Arsenal v Manchester United (1600 GMT)

Just a point - but there hasn't actually been a typical 'big four' draw all season, so while this probably will be a draw now I'm down for a Gunners win, I think they'll expose United's frailties at the back

Verdict: 1-1 Tarquin 2-1

MONDAY
Sunderland v Stoke (2000 GMT)

Both sides are heavily reliant on home form...therefore...

Verdict: 1-1 Tarquin 2-0

Beat Lawro week 24

2010-01-28T09:56:00.000-08:00

Right - kind of missed Lawro's midweek predictions, but I did do them! thank god because I did very well (honest, check on 'I know the score')

Bolton 1-0 Burnley

Lawro: 2-1 = 1.5
Tarquin: 1-0 = 3

Portsmouth 1-1 West Ham

Lawro: 2-1 = -1
Tarquin: 2-1 = -1
Tottenham 2-0 Fulham

Lawro: 2-0 = 3

Tarquin: 2-0 = 3
Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

Lawro: 1-1 = 2

Tarquin: 1-2 = -1

Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal

Lawro: 1-1 = 2

Tarquin: 1-2 = -1

Blackburn 2-1 Wigan

Lawro: 2-1 = 3
Tarquin: 1-0 = 1.5

Chelsea 3-0 Birmingham

Lawro: 2-0 = 1

Tarquin: 3-0 = 3
Everton 2-0 Sunderland

Lawro: 2-1 = 1
Tarquin: 2-0 = 3

Standings

Lawro got 7/8 right, two perfect scores = 12.5
Tarquin got 5/8 right, but FOUR perfect scores = 10.5

I guess he wins...

24 weeks played, 238 matches
14-10 to Tarquin

Lawro - 127 right, 29 perfects - 94 points
Tarquin - 126 right, 29 perfects - 89 points

Beat Lawro Results week 23

2010-01-24T13:18:00.000-08:00

Manchester United 4-0 Hull

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1

Preston NE 0-2 Chelsea

Lawro: 3
Tarquin:1

Reading 1-0 Burnley

Lawro: -1
Tarquin:-1

Accrington 1-3 Fulham

Lawro: 1
Tarquin:1

Aston Villa 3-2 Brighton

Lawro: 1
Tarquin:1

Bolton 2-0 Sheffield United

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: -1

Cardiff 4-2 Leicester

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1.5

Derby 1-0 Donny

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Everton 1-2 Birmingham

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: 3

Notts County 2-2 Wigan

Lawro: 2
Tarquin: 3

Portsmouth 2-1 Sunderland

Lawro: 3
Tarquin: 3

Southampton 2-1 Ipswich

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: 3

West Brom 4-2 Newcastle

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Wolves 2-2 Palace

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Spurs 2-2 Leeds

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Stoke 3-1 Arsenal

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: 1

Scunthorpe 2-4 City

Lawro: 1.5
Tarquin: 1.5

Lawro got 9 right, 2 perfect scores = 6.5
Tarquin got 11 right, FOUR perfect scores! = 14

Standings

23 weeks played, 230 matches
14-9 to Tarquin

Lawro - 120 right, 27 perfects - 81.5 points
Tarquin - 121 right, 25 perfects - 78.5 points

Beat Lawro week 23

2010-01-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

Aaaaaah! I'm losing! 17 again this week

Standings

22 weeks played, 213 matches
13-9 to Tarquin

Lawro - 111 right, 25 perfects - 75 points
Tarquin - 110 right, 21 perfects - 64.5 points

Manchester United v Hull City

Rooney's fit, I can't see how Hull will trouble United, even if they are weak

Lawro: 2-0

Tarquin: 3-0

FA CUP

Preston v Chelsea

Chelsea seem to be in form right now, got to be a win for the league leaders (in reality)

Lawro: 0-2

Tarquin: 0-1

Reading v Burnley

Reading can win at Anfield, but seem unlikely to beat a pub team anywhere else - they haven't won at home since November, and couple that with Burnley...who have got one away point in the league and have only beaten MK Dons on the road - so both sides will fancy this, but either side could win, so I'm going for a replay

Lawro: 0-2

Tarquin: 1-1

Accrington Stanley v Fulham

I think Fulham have the talent to overcome Accrington Stanley, even without Zamora and Dempsey - Accrington are the lowest side left

Lawro: 1-2

Tarquin: 0-1

Aston Villa v Brighton

I'd be pretty stupid to back anything but a Villa win here

Lawro: 2-0

Tarquin: 3-0

Bolton v Sheffield United

This'll be a close contest, a Premier League struggler versus a decent Championship side, I'm going for a Sheffield win actually, Bolton did well to score against Arsenal, but then they collapsed, and they'll probably be fatigued

Lawro: 2-1

Tarquin: 1-2

Cardiff v Leicester

Hard to call this, so I'm being random and going for a Cardiff win

Lawro: 2-1

Tarquin: 3-1

Derby v Doncaster

Donny should be favourites here, they're in much better form and have won the past three meetings

Lawro: 1-1

Tarquin: 1-2

Everton v Birmingham

This is tough to call, both sides are on long undefeated runs - on that basis I'm going with my girlfriend

Lawro: 2-0

Tarquin: 1-2

Notts County v Wigan

It really depends on which Wigan side shows up, doesn't it - they have to be favourites, but it depends if we get the side that defeated Wolves or the one that got trounced at United, middle of the road I think

Lawro: 1-1

Tarquin: 2-2

Portsmouth v Sunderland

You never know, and Sunderland appear to have lost the plot a bit, think I'll plump for Pompey

Lawro: 2-1

Tarquin: 2-1

Southampton v Ipswich

I think Southampton will be a handful

Lawro: 1-1

Tarquin: 2-1

West Brom v Newcastle

These two again? To be honest I doubt they'll draw again, but I can't call it

Lawro: 1-1

Tarquin: 2-2

Wolves v Crystal Palace

I think Wolves are a quality Championship side, good game for them, and they'll have a kick up the bum after last week

Lawro: 2-1

Tarquin: 2-1

Tottenham v Leeds United

Certainly if Leeds can beat United they can beat a fairly ropey Tottenham, but surely Spurs are the favourites

Lawro: 2-0

Tarquin: 2-0

Stoke v Arsenal

I'm not really sure why Lawro is so excited by Arsenal being top of the league - they're equal top and have played an extra game - that's hardly leading the table in my book, but regardless, I think Arsenal will get beaten up here and won't be given much freedom to play - be interesting to see if Sol Campbell plays

Lawro: 1-1

Tarquin: 1-0

Scunthorpe v Man City

Mancini's already lost one game, so he's surely on his final warning - I can't imagine the Arabs will be impressed with a 'cupset' to Scunny, should be enough talent on show to win this

Lawro: 0-2

Tarquin: 0-2

Beat Lawro Results week 22

2010-01-19T01:16:00.000-08:00

Stoke 1-1 Liverpool

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Chelsea 7-2 Sunderland

Lawro: 1

Tarquin: 1

Man United 3-0 Burnley

Lawro: 1

Tarquin 3

Tottenham 0-0 Hull

Lawro: -1

Tarquin: -1

Wolves 0-2 Wigan

Lawro: -1

Tarquin: -1

Everton 2-0 City

Lawro: 3

Tarquin: -1

Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham

Lawro: -1

Tarquin: -1

Blackburn 2-0 Fulham

Lawro: 1

Tarquin: -1

Bolton 0-2 Arsenal

Lawro: -1

Tarquin: -1

Lawro got 4 right, one perfect score = 1

Tarquin got 2 right, one perfect = -3

(Portsmouth-Brum ticks over if necessary)

Standings

22 weeks played, 213 matches
13-9 to Tarquin

Lawro - 111 right, 25 perfects - 75 points
Tarquin - 110 right, 21 perfects - 64.5 points

Beat Lawro week 22

2010-01-14T16:29:00.000-08:00

I'm lagging behind - still got more tips right, and I've won more weeks, but Lawro has the perfect scores...and the points tally

Must do better

Standings

21 weeks played, 204 matches
13-8 to Tarquin

Lawro - 107 right, 24 perfects - 74 points
Tarquin - 108 right, 20 perfects - 67.5 points

Stoke - Liverpool (1245)

Was Lawro quite so damning about his old side back at the start of the season? - 'take out Torres and Gerrard and they'd be halfway up the table' - I don't recall that one, his mate McNulty was even tipping them after their second place last year - so I don't read too much into Lawro's latest insight, the little old lady at the bus stop could tell you how rubbish they are right now after the Champions League, and now FA cup, crash and burns - I do agree Stoke are going to fancy this

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Chelsea - Sunderland

Can't see beyond a Chelsea win here, it's only Sunderland

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Manchester United - Burnley

Honeymoon periods are not 'miracles'

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Portsmouth - Birmingham

Birmingham's legs have got to give eventually, but Portsmouth just got through a tiring match with Coventry and aren't exactly strong - I can see a slip up for the golden boys, but I think another draw for the Blues (the Midland ones)

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Tottenham - Hull

I only see a Tottenham win here

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Wolves - Wigan

Difficult one this, Wolves are a decent side who can deal with weaker sides - but this all depends on which Wigan side turns up, their past three games have been draw, loss, win - and they haven't won two in a row all season so Wolves are definitely favourites here, but I think it might be a fairly dull draw

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin 1-1

Everton - Manchester City (1730)

Finally, a decent test for Mancini - and I don't think he'll pass, there's little to suggest he's made City decent on the road, Everton are very good at picking up draws, but not the wins, so another draw

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin 1-1

SUNDAY
Aston Villa - West Ham (1330)

Villa, surely shouldn't haven't a problem with the Hammers

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Blackburn - Fulham

Fulham have had a nice rest, Blackburn played, well...tonight, so I think they'll be tired - and what's this nonsense about Allardyce? 13th in the league, Carling Cup semis, what more do you want? However I doubt Fulham will get their second away win, draw for me again

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Bolton - Arsenal (1600)

Should be fun, can Arsenal get three up north? They rarely do, so another draw for me!

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Week 21 Results

2010-01-14T02:43:00.000-08:00

Three whole games were played - guess that makes life easier, but I know I lost

Arsenal 2-2 Everton

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Birmingham 1-1 Man United

Lawro: 3
Tarquin: -1

Man City 4-1 Blackburn

Lawro: 1.5
Tarquin: 1

Lawro got 2 right, one perfect score = 3.5
Tarquin got one right = -1

Standings

21 weeks played, 204 matches
13-8 to Tarquin

Lawro - 107 right, 24 perfects - 74 points
Tarquin - 108 right, 20 perfects - 67.5 points

Beat Lawro week 21 - we're all pussies!

2010-01-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

5 games postponed - Liverpool call it off, but Wigan don't....just a quickie version seeing as games are being called off willy-nilly (Ancelotti must be really upset...)

Standings

20 weeks played, 201 matches
13-7 to Tarquin

Lawro - 105 right, 23 perfects - 70.5 points
Tarquin - 107 right, 20 perfects - 68.5 points

Arsenal v Everton

On current form surely only an a home win is realistic - unless Arsenal's flowers wilt in the cold

Lawro 2-0
Tarquin 2-0

Wigan v Villa

It's cold and miserable - could be a very stodgy game, or nippy wingers could run circles round sluggish defenders, I'm going for stodge

Lawro 1-2
Tarquin 1-1

Birmingham v United

Might be called off... Birmingham could finally give us a United draw, but I still feel United have to be slight favourites

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin 0-1

West Ham v Wolves

I'm going for an unusual Hammers win - even though I think Wolves play better football, could go either way

Lawro 2-1
Tarquin 2-1

Man City v Blackburn

A must win for Mancini, Blackburn are dire on the road - how could they win here? Maybe a draw is possible, but home win all the way

Lawro: 3-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Beat Lawro Results - week 20

2010-01-06T02:48:00.000-08:00

Aston Villa 3-1 Blackburn

Lawro: 1.5
Tarquin: 1

Bolton 4-0 Lincoln

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1

Everton 3-1 Carlisle

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1.5

Fulham 1-0 Swindon

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1

Middlesboro 0-1 Man City

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1.5

MK Dons 1-2 Burnley

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: 3

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Birmingham

Lawro: 2
Tarquin: -1

Portsmouth 1-1 Coventry

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Stoke 3-1 York

Lawro: 1.5
Tarquin: 1.5
Sunderland 3-0 Barrow

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1
Tottenham 4-0 Peterborough

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 3
Wigan 4-1 Hull

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Reading 1-1 Liverpool

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Man United 0-1 Leeds

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Chelsea 5-0 Watford

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1

West Ham 1-2 Arsenal

Lawro: 3
Tarquin: 1.5

Tranmere 0-1 Wolves

Lawro: 1.5
Tarquin: 1

Tarquin got 12 right, Two perfect scores = 13 pts

Lawro got 12 right, One perfect score = 11.5 pts

Standings

20 weeks played, 201 matches
13-7 to Tarquin

Lawro - 105 right, 23 perfects - 70.5 points
Tarquin - 107 right, 20 perfects - 68.5 points

Beat Lawro - FA Cup special

2010-01-01T03:34:00.000-08:00

How many??

Yep, seventeen matches - courtesy of the draw only throwing up three Premier League ties, oh well - should be a good fight, might get my numbers up too...

Standings

19 weeks played, 184 matches
12-7 to Tarquin

Lawro - 93 right, 22 perfects - 59 points
Tarquin - 95 right, 18 perfects - 55.5 points

Aston Villa v Blackburn

Straightforward enough, and Villa will want a cup run with the memory of always getting United first up still fresh

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Bolton v Lincoln

Even managerless Bolton should have no qualms with a lower league two side, they're a solid, if not brilliant outfit with a few decent players (Bolton, not Lincoln)

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Everton v Carlisle

I don't think Everton will have a problem with a middling league one side - even if they send out the kids, it shouldn't make a difference - they've been doing it every week anyway...

Lawro: 3-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Fulham v Swindon

It's okay, everyone! Andy Johnson is on the pitch!! Although to his [Lawro's] credit, this is the sort of opposition Johnson is good against, Championship-level goal poacher that he is

I can't wait til the strikerless Sunderland come up...

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Middlesboro v Man City

Eight points from ten for the legendary Strachan - Southgate's record down in the Championship was more than twice as good, so it's nice to know that if we are going to have to put up with Newcastle again, at least Boro won't be coming back

Oh, sorry - the match, I don't think Mancini will be resting players - surely the Arab owners want a cup run, although clearly getting to semis isn't worth much to them...

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 1-2

MK Dons v Burnley

It's really come to something when a mid-table Premier League side has such a poor away form that an average league one side is considered a favourite at home - okay, we know they're no good away - but they can score goals, they've scored more than Stoke, Blackburn, Hull and Portsmouth on the road - they just struggle defensively

But they've got goals at West Ham, City and Blackburn - they can get some here, and they had a good tussle with Barnsley in the Carling Cup, the Dons aren't at the same level - but I do think this could go either way (also depends who plays)

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-2

Nottingham Forest v Birmingham

I think McLeish might give a few players a well-earned rest here, although I see little reason not to go for the cup when he's basically assured safety and has little chance of Europe, but they've been playing 110% (sorry) for 2 months and come off a heavy December schedule with a few injuries, don't be surprised if Forest get more of a look in than Everton or Chelsea did

Lawro: 2-2
Tarquin: 2-1

Portsmouth v Coventry

Oh...fun - assuming Portsmouth aren't liquidated by tomorrow we should expect a bit of positivity from the south coast - at home against Coventry, if they can beat Liverpool, they should be a match for them

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Stoke v York

Oh brilliant...Stoke at home against a conference side - 'Cupset' anyone?

Nah...

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Sunderland v Barrow

Barrow are even lower than York - I do of course favour the underdog and love a non-league side to progress, but Sunderland will need to rest an awful lot of players to lose this

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Tottenham v Peterborough

You can always rely on Harry to respect the cup, I doubt Spurs will have trouble with the bottom of the Championship

Lawro: 3-0
Tarquin: 4-0

Wigan v Hull

Finally, an all-Premier League match-up and what a doozy it is...

I'd favour Hull, they're playing better, but certainly nothing is 'nailed on' here so I'm going goalless, and Wigan may respond to that abysmal display at Old Trafford, or not...

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 0-0

Reading v Liverpool

Seriously, no idea - Reading are pathetic right now...but so are Pompey, it's all about what medication Rafa's on, I suppose a Liverpool victory would be favourite

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-1

Man United v Leeds

Fergie won't take this lightly - not that h has much choice, Leeds will give them a good game, but there's too much ~~Rooney~~ talent at United

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-1

Chelsea v Watford

No Drogba, or indeed Anelka - it's going to be a fun few weeks, but surely Joe Cole and the like can deal with Watford...who are Watford, after all

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-1

West Ham v Arsenal

Wenger will play a strong team - but has no Fabregas, Walcott or RVP available...right - the youth will be out, but they will be the known youths (like Ramsey) and fortunately they are more than a match for West Ham

Lawro: 1-2
Tarquin: 0-1

Tranmere v Wolves

Wolves are a decent attacking side - they are weak to strong premier league sides, but against a struggling league one side? - Bread and butter for them

Lawro: 1-2
Tarquin: 0-2

Beat Lawro week 19 results

2009-12-30T17:37:00.000-08:00

Tottenham 2-0 West Ham

Lawro: 3
Tarquin: 3

Blackburn 2-2 Sunderland

Lawro -1
Tarquin -1

Chelsea 2-1 Fulham

Lawro 3
Tarquin 1

Everton 2-0 Burnley

Lawro 3
Tarquin 3

Stoke 0-1 Birmingham

Lawro -1
Tarquin -1

Wolves 0-3 Man City

Lawro -1
Tarquin 1

Aston Villa 0-1 Liverpool

Nailed on...

Lawro -1
Tarquin -1

Bolton 2-2 Hull

Lawro -1
Tarquin -1

Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal

Lawro 1
Tarquin 1.5

Man United 5-0 Wigan

Lawro 1
Tarquin 1

Lawro got five right, three perfect scores = 6 points
Tarquin got six right, two perfect scores = 6.5

Standings

19 weeks played, 184 matches
12-7 to Tarquin

Lawro - 93 right, 22 perfects - 59 points
Tarquin - 95 right, 18 perfects - 55.5 points

Beat Lawro week 19 - speedy gonzales

2009-12-28T03:12:00.000-08:00

Blimey, quick-fire double header

Standings

18 weeks played, 174 matches
11-7 to Tarquin

Lawro - 88 right, 19 perfects - 53 points
Tarquin - 89 right, 16 perfects - 49 points

Tottenham v West Ham (1245 GMT)

Tottenham win seems favourable

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Blackburn v Sunderland

Sunderland haven't won since...Arsenal, strangely enough, I think Blackburn will come out on top between these two middling sides

and I'm sorry - no prolific goalscorer? Darren Bent - 11 league goals from half the season, fourth placed goalscorer (Drogba joint with Defoe and Rooney on 13) - dear god, Lawro, you'll be writing off Andy Johnson next...

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Chelsea v Fulham

It's been an awful December for Chelsea - but great for the neutral, unfortunately for Fulham I think Chelsea will be just too strong - a pity, as Drogba and co. will be off barely a day later - should be a fun January at Stamford Bridge after this last hurrah

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Everton v Burnley

A rare win for Everton is surely on the cards, or is it a rarer away win for Burnley? The former, probably

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Stoke v Birmingham

Birmingham are surely tiring - but with Stoke's defence severely depleted and both sides coming off the gruelling Christmas congestion I think Birmingham could hold onto their current league crown of longest undefeated run, the good news is Birmingham got to the magic number of 28 points by Christmas, so they are guaranteed survival

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Wolves v Man City (1945 GMT)

Mancini couldn't have got it much better than Stoke at home followed by Wolves away, unless he got Blackburn at home after... oh wait...

Talk about being eased in - but no away game is truly easy, and City need sorting out on the road, Wolves could prove a test - but frankly, if they don't win, I'd sack him, based on the club's appointment criteria

Verdict: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-2

TUESDAY

Aston Villa v Liverpool (1945 GMT)

Lawro thinks this is a 'nailed-on draw' - one) there's no such thing, and two) he very rarely gets draws right (see: none of the six first-half 'big 4' clashes have been a draw this season) - I'm backing a draw, because it could go either way...

I guess if we're right, we won't know who's right - suppose I don't want to win then...

Verdict: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Bolton v Hull (2000 GMT)

I think Bolton will come out on top here, they got a reprieve last week while Hull are on match number three in just over a week, and of course, Bolton are the better side - Hull's two away points don't inspire me

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

WEDNESDAY

Portsmouth v Arsenal (1945 GMT)

I've gone for three - but I may come to regret that as Arsenal aren't the best travellers and if the midfield maestro is missing this could be difficult, oh well

Verdict: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-3

Man Utd v Wigan

This is a no-brainer - though I do have to worry about United's reliance on Rooney, as seen against Hull, of all people - it can't last, still - Wigan, at OT, never happening

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Boxing Day results

2009-12-28T02:28:00.000-08:00

Birmingham 0-0 Chelsea

Nice

Lawro: -1
Tarquin:-1

Fulham 0-0 Tottenham

Lawro: 2
Tarquin: 2

Burnley 1-1 Bolton

Lawro: 3
Tarquin: -1

West Ham 2-0 Portsmouth

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: 1

Man City 2-0 Stoke

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 3

Sunderland 1-1 Everton

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Wigan 1-1 Blackburn

Lawro -1
Tarquin 3

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

Lawro 3
Tarquin 1

Arsenal v Villa

Lawro: 1
Tarquin -1

Hull 1-3 United

Lawro 1.5
Tarquin 1

Lawro got 6 right, two perfects = 7.5
Tarquin got 6 right, two perfects = 7

Two right! and he still catches up!! And frankly the Hull game going in his favour is a joke when he picked a clean sheet

Standings

18 weeks played, 174 matches
11-7 to Tarquin

Lawro - 88 right, 19 perfects - 53 points
Tarquin - 89 right, 16 perfects - 49 points

Beat Lawro week 18 - Boxing Day matches

2009-12-24T20:56:00.000-08:00

Standings

17 weeks played, 164 matches
11-6 to Tarquin

Lawro - 82 right, 17 perfects - 45.5 points
Tarquin - 83 right, 14 perfects - 42 points

It's part one of the Christmas mirror round - these fixtures will be played in reverse in week 22 (late Jan), hopefully we can do well in both

Onward for your Boxing Day tips! (this is an auto-post)

----------------------------------------

Birmingham v Chelsea (1245 GMT)

Response from the Blues, or a continuation of fine form for the Blues? Personally I think Chelsea will be kicked into gear, and Brum are beginning to wear down, Christmas will not be kind to such a small squad - although Chelsea could be in for a lengthy rough patch, but a Chelsea win is definitely favoured here

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-1

Fulham v Tottenham (1300 GMT)

This one really depends on which Tottenham side turns up - I think Fulham will be favourites here, they're a solid side and might exploit Spurs' weaknesses at the back, but it'll be close

Lawro: 2-2
Tarquin: 1-1

West Ham v Portsmouth (1300 GMT)

Ah, the six-pointer - also known as 'draw' - Pompey may have taken down Liverpool, but my granny could do over Liverpool every other game at the moment, this will be tetchy as both sides desperately need the win - I favour West Ham

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Burnley v Bolton (1400 GMT)

Must win for Burnley, I reckon - they are heavily reliant on home form, if they fail to win this one then they have little hope in the new year, but it'll be tight in the north-west

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Manchester City v Stoke

A straightforward opening game for Mancini - Stoke have improved on the road, but City have too much talent to be kept off the scoresheet, and 'honeymoon' and all that

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Sunderland v Everton

Everton have been gutsy despite being down to bare bones, but I think Sunderland will be too tough at home

Lawro: 1-0
Tarquin: 2-1

Wigan v Blackburn

Wigan are unpredictable, and so are Rovers - Wigan the slight favourites, but draw

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Liverpool v Wolves (1730 GMT)

Surely...?

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

SUNDAY

Arsenal v Aston Villa (1330 GMT)

Tie of the round, free-flowing Arsenal versus counter-attacking Villa - who will come out on top - I think it might be a draw

Lawro: 1-0
Tarquin: 1-1

Hull v Manchester United

Fergie generally doesn't let his players get away with two poor shows in a row, and an under strength side should be fine against Hull

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 1-2

Results week 17

2009-12-22T00:37:00.000-08:00

Portsmouth 2-0 Liverpool

Told you I'd jinxed it

Tarquin -1
Lawro -1

Villa 1-0 Stoke

Tarquin: 1
Lawro: 1.5

Blackburn 0-2 Spurs

Tarquin: -1
Lawro: -1

Fulham 3-0 United

Tarquin: -1
Lawro: -1

City 4-3 Sunderland

Tarquin: 1
Lawro: 1.5

Arsenal 3-0 Hull

Tarquin: 1
Lawro: 3

Wolves 2-0 Burnley

Tarquin: 1
Lawro: 1

Everton 1-1 Birmingham

Tarquin: 3
Lawro: -1

West Ham 1-1 Chelsea

Tarquin: -1
Lawro -1

Wigan v Bolton was called off

Lawro went for 1-1

Tarquin: 2-1 - these remain active unless the rematch is redone by Lawro
Tarquin got five right, one perfect = 3pts
Lawro got four right, one perfect = 2

17 weeks played, 164 matches
11-6 to Tarquin

Lawro - 82 right, 17 perfects - 45.5 points
Tarquin - 83 right, 14 perfects - 42 points

Beat Lawro week 17

2009-12-18T00:36:00.000-08:00

Portsmouth v Liverpool (1245 GMT)

Ah, you never know what you're going to get with Liverpool - Pompey have indeed been playing well, they've been playing well all season - but they do not have quality!! It's been 17 games and they've got 11 points - why does no one believe me?!! (by 'no one' I mean pundits, as far as I'm aware all regular fans know this) - it's not just poor luck! So anyway, after that rant I fully expect Pompey to get at least a point...oh well, but the smart money has to be on Liverpool, well, the smart money is best kept in your pocket when it comes to Liverpool....

Tarquin: 1-2
Lawro: 0-2

Aston Villa v Stoke

Should be a comfortable home win for Villa, who look so much stronger at home this season, Downing and Collins should be available, giving O'Neill more choices than he probably needs

Tarquin: 2-0
Lawro: 2-1

Blackburn v Tottenham

Tricky - Blackburn tend to swing between wins and draws at home, but most of those wins came against poor sides (bar Villa), while Spurs suck on the road, but I think they have enough of a threat to force a draw

Tarquin: 1-1
Lawro: 1-1

Fulham v Manchester United

Could this be the elusive away draw United have been searching for? Fulham will pose a threat, and United are still struggling with injuries, somebody needs to take advantage of their weakness, Fulham can (Wolves can't)

Tarquin: 1-1
Lawro: 1-1

Manchester City v Sunderland

City may be struggling to win matches, but remain undefeated at home, while Sunderland are so bad on the road only Hull and Burnley are worse - got to go for a second consecutive home win for the sky blues

Tarquin: 2-0 Lawro: 2-1

Arsenal v Hull

On paper this looks straightforward, but then remember what happened last season? Arsenal will be without their star man Fabregas, and indeed RVP, but should have Arshavin, Eduardo and Walcott available - surely that's enough to deal with Hull? Although they have of course had a whole week to prepare, and Arsene is all tuckered out...

Tarquin: 1-0Lawro: 3-0

SUNDAY

Wolves v Burnley

Wolves had better win, eh? Hopefully that mid-week rest will give them the edge to defeat a side that don't travel well, and had to scrap against Arsenal a few days prior...an upset would be fun though

Tarquin: 2-1
Lawro: 1-0

Everton v Birmingham

Tricky - we have the league's form team with five straight wins, versus an injury riddled decent team floating too close to the relegation zone, too close to call

Tarquin: 1-1
Lawro: 2-1

West Ham v Chelsea (1600 GMT)

Local derby, recent slide in form, weakness to set-pieces - I don't think any of this will hold back Chelsea against such a weak side, you'll just have to wait for the African Cup of Nations for that..

Tarquin: 1-3
Lawro: 0-2

MONDAY

Wigan v Bolton (2000 GMT)

Do I have to? Oh, alright - Wigan are at home, should be favourites, ironically this is highly important for me - as it's one of only two games we disagree on

Tarquin: 2-1Lawro: 1-1

Typical

2009-12-16T17:09:00.000-08:00

Well, you knew it would happen... I haven't got anything decent in weeks and then I go and get 7/8 'unofficially'

I claim a moral victory

Seven right, no perfects = 6.5 pts

Mid week predictions

2009-12-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

Well, it would appear there are no Lawro's predictions this week, but I thought I'd do my own anyway

Sunderland v Aston Villa

Tough one, will the Villains be buoyant, or tired? Will Sunderland stutter or come back fighting after a fairly miserable run? I'm going for Villa to take their counter-attacking play to the Black Cats, but it could go either way

1-2

Birmingham v Blackburn

Arguably Birmingham have become the form team with four wins on the trot and three clean sheets within that, while Blackburn are one of the worst sides on the road, on paper this looks obvious

1-0

Bolton v West Ham

Basement battle time - if Bolton can play like they did at the weekend then they should see off the Hammers easily, if not, I don't think the Hammers will bring much anyway

1-0

Manchester United v Wolves

Pick a number between 1 and 10, then stick in front of -nil and you're there, United will no doubt have got a booting for the (deserving) loss to Villa, a bad time for Wolves to visit, if there was ever a good time... I've gone for four

4-0

Burnley v Arsenal

This should be interesting, how will Arsenal cope with Burnley's aggression? How will Burnley handle the four-day break? Depends on which Arsenal side shows up, I guess, Burnley showed a lot of gaps against Fulham

0-1

Chelsea v Portsmouth

Thankyou so much for that draw, Carlo - some fine defending did me very well....I expect a better performance, and even if not - it's Portsmouth, at Stamford Bridge...

3-0

Liverpool v Wigan

Surely this is one game where we can expect Liverpool to pull out a win, at home to Wigan...surely?

2-0

Tottenham v Man City

Now this is a tricky one, first instinct is naturally 'draw' after City's eight in their last nine, and either side could take this, but I've got a feeling Spurs will be resurgent after that shock defeat to Wolves

2-1

Well, that sucked - results week 16

2009-12-13T14:08:00.000-08:00

Stoke 2-2 Wigan

Lawro = -1

Tarquin = -1

Birmingham 1-0 West Ham

Lawro = 1.5
Tarquin = 3

Bolton 3-3 City

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Burnley 1-1 Fulham

Lawro = 3

Tarquin = -1

Chelsea 3-3 Everton

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Hull 0-0 Blackburn

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = 2

Sunderland 1-1 Portsmouth

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Tottenham 0-1 Wolves

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Man United 0-1 Villa

Told you

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Lawro got 2 right, one perfect score = -3.5
Tarquin got 2 right, one perfect score = -3

That went well....

16 weeks played, 155 matches
10-6 to Tarquin

Lawro - 78 right, 16 perfects - 43.5 points
Tarquin - 78 right, 13 perfects - 39 points

Beat Lawro week 16

2009-12-10T18:17:00.000-08:00

As it stands: 

15 weeks played, 145 matches
9-6 to Tarquin

Lawro - 76 right, 15 perfects - 47 points
Tarquin - 76 right, 12 perfects - 42 points

Oh dear oh dear - Lawro's overtaken me and obtained a rare lead, I must improve

Stoke v Wigan (1245 GMT)

Can't say I care much about Beattie shenanigans - two goals all season, both against West Ham, I'm sure the defence can cope with an inconsistent Wigan side and snatch a goal or two

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Birmingham v West Ham

Birmingham, sitting pretty in 9th thanks to some solid defence, shouldn't be troubled by relegation hopefuls West Ham, whose sole away victory was on opening day, against Wolves. Birmingham have only scored more than once at home on one occasion - in fact their scoring record of five at home is incredible for their top-half position, even Wolves have scored more - and I don't expect West Ham to contribute to a 25% increase in goals conceded at St. Andrews

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Bolton v Man City

It's about time City turned a corner and they finally did against Chelsea, perfect time to test out if they're capable of a top four finish by going to a side who've only picked up one point in three games.

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 1-2

Burnley v Fulham

Apparently 7-goals-in-two-seasons Johnson makes all the difference to Fulham...Lawro must be a supporter of Zamora for England too...But anyway, Burnley could do with a win here, and they don't look like giving it up at home after that draw with Villa

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Chelsea v Everton

I would really like a draw here, but I'm too much of a coward to back it, considering Chelsea's form and Everton's frailties, Everton performed a nice comeback against Tottenham last week and hopefully they'll be motivated but Chelsea will surely be too much.

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Hull v Blackburn

You can never predict Hull (unless they're away in which case they'll lose), but they should be favourites here, Blackburn are woeful on the road, but with the absence of the useful Bullard I think this might end in a draw

Lawro: 1-0
Tarquin: 1-1

Sunderland v Portsmouth

I say this every week - Portsmouth have no quality and are bottom of the league for a reason, Sunderland are the highest scorers at home behind the top seven (or is that 'top six and Liverpool'?), and indeed the best side at home outside of the top five, their 'blips' have only really been away - Darren Bent exists to score goals against teams like this, I can't see them scoring less than three.

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 4-1

Tottenham v Wolves

Spurs, they have their frailties but at home they're mostly pretty good, and against Wolves there's nothing to discuss

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Man Utd v Aston Villa (1730 GMT)

A rare loss at Old Trafford could be on the cards here - an injury crisis in the defence could see a powerful attacking side like Villa get some goals - United are still a top side and even with a makeshift teamsheet can win matches, but I'd fancy a strong opponent to do well right now, I am however, a chicken, and going for the draw

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin:: 1-1

SUNDAY

Liverpool v Arsenal (1600 GMT)

Well this could be interesting, how Liverpool have gone from main rivals to the title to a fairly pathetic December seventh and a round 1 exit from the Champions League while only losing one player is beyond me, but they have. But that said, they can do over anyone on their day, and Arsenal are not good travellers, they're very happy at the Emirates, but weak on the road - and with no RVP (or even Bendtner) I have to favour a Liverpool side who should have Gerrard and Torres available, their weakness is consistency, not individual talent, as always

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Beat Lawro Week 15 Results

2009-12-07T19:53:00.000-08:00

Portsmouth 2-0 Burnley

Lawro = 3
Tarquin = -1

Arsenal 2-0 Stoke

Lawro = 3
Tarquin = 1

Aston Villa 3-0 Hull

Lawro = 1
Tarquin = 1

Blackburn 0-0 Liverpool

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

West Ham 0-4 Man United

Lawro = 1
Tarquin = 1

Wigan 2-3 Birmingham

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Wolves 2-1 Bolton

Lawro = 1.5
Tarquin = 1.5

Man City 2-1 Chelsea

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Fulham 1-0 Sunderland

Lawro = 1.5
Tarquin = 1.5

Everton 2-2 Tottenham

Lawro = 2
Tarquin = -1

Retitling next week to 'predicting missed penalties'

Lawro got 7 right, two perfect = 10pts
Tarquin got 5 right, no perfects = 1 point...

Standings:

15 weeks played, 145 matches
9-6 to Tarquin

Lawro - 76 right, 15 perfects - 47 points
Tarquin - 76 right, 12 perfects - 42 points

Still, long way to go

Beat Lawro week 15

2009-12-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

Standings:

14 weeks played, 135 matches
9-5 to Tarquin

Lawro - 69 right, 13 perfects - 37 points
Tarquin - 71 right, 12 perfects - 41 points
It's not been a good few weeks of late, for anybody - so maybe we can get above half right for once

Portsmouth v Burnley

This is the must-win game for Pompey, I suppose they'll do it, they seem to have goals in them, but I think Burnley will be a match for them - if they can get to 5-3 at West Ham then they can points here, and usually a decent home side gets one away win, here would be the obvious choice. In all honesty, even if Pompey win this, they're gone in May. I can't call it, so I've stupidly gone for a draw

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 1-1

Arsenal v Stoke

Arsenal have a habit of banging in the goals against lower sides at home - but Stoke are a mean side and have only conceded more that two once on the road, and that was Liverpool. Saying that, Arsenal are the most free-scoring team if you don't close them down, and all of Stoke's trips were to worse, typically low-scoring sides anyway, so I'll go for three

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Aston Villa v Hull

Hull remain unpredictable, Villa should win, but you can't rule out the Tigers sneaking a goal in, nevertheless, smart money is on a straightforward win

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Blackburn v Liverpool

Penalty shoot-outs always knacker a team out, and Blackburn don't have reserves to call on, so you would think Liverpool can turn over their neighbours, just might be the right time to defeat Blackburn for the first time at home since opening day.

Lawro: 0-1
Tarquin: 1-2

West Ham v Man Utd

Got to be United, but their luck will eventually run out and there will come a lower team who gets the better of them, I don't think that'll be this week though, unpredictable one, this.

Lawro: 1-3
Tarquin: 0-2

Wigan v Birmingham

Wigan have impressed at home lately, and Birmingham aren't all that on the road - a solid outfit, yes, but they've only beaten Wolves and Hull away, Wigan should win this on their day

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Wolves v Bolton

Nice six-pointer, I've gone for Wolves to pick up their first win since September, but this could go either way quite easily (and a draw would be unhelpful for all concerned, so they probably will)

Lawro: 1-0
Tarquin: 1-0

Man City v Chelsea (1730 GMT)

Stop copying me, Lawro! It just drags me down - this is really hard to call, on the one hand Chelsea should be expected to win, on the other City have drawn seven in a row and just seem to want to draw - whether it's tying a big team and not rolling over, or letting a small team in, they seem to actually aim for it, meanwhile Chelsea haven't drawn all season, but I think I have to back the Chelsea win here, but should be tight (Arsenal should have been tight too)

Lawro: 1-2
Tarquin: 1-2

SUNDAY

Fulham v Sunderland

Oh for god's sake...

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Everton v Tottenham

I'm not sure about this - do Everton even have a team anymore? Their defence in particular seems to be on the treatment table more than the pitch - but I hear Distin should play, and Tottenham are hardly solid at the back, nor do they travel well, I'm sticking my neck out and going for a rare Everton win, no idea why...

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-0

World Cup groups announced

2009-12-02T15:28:00.000-08:00

...by me!

(This is completely fictional)

Here's what I drew

Group 1:

S. Africa
Japan
Chile
Slovakia

Group 2:

Italy
S.Korea
Paraguay
Portugal

Group 3:

Spain
Mexico
Ghana
Slovenia

Group 4:

Germany
New Zealand
Cameroon
Greece

Group 5:

Argentina
N.Korea
Nigeria
France

Group 6:

Brazil
Australia
Ivory Coast
Switzerland

Group 7:

Netherlands
Honduras
Uruuay
Denmark

Group 8:

England
US
Algeria
Serbia

Reasonably varied, Group A is a joke - and is likely to be in reality, that's what happens when you seed the bottom ranked team (86th) in the cup, it would be amusing if New Zealand and North Korea get in too - open season for a minor European side

Personally I think it would be best if France and Portugal avoided that group though, it would be nice to see a team like Slovakia progress for once, it wouldn't be unfair either

Strangely I didn't pick a 'group of death' - although whatever happens one will be labelled as such anyway - I suppose group 2 would be the worst with South Korea against Italy and Portugal, otherwise Germany got off really lightly, as did the Netherlands

Spain and England had some curve balls with Ghana and Slovenia, the US and Serbia respectively, but should be expected to win, while Argentina and France were given the chance to hand a place to Nigeria (you know one of them would)

Australia didn't fare well, being drawn with Brazil just like 2006 (although they got through), but the presence of the Ivorians would be unwelcome

I don't know why I did that, just wanted to look at some permutations I guess

Beat Lawro 14 results

2009-12-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

Aston Villa 1-1 Tottenham

Lawro: 2-1 = -1
Tarquin: 2-1 = -1

Blackburn 0-0 Stoke

Lawro: 1-1 = 2
Tarquin: 0-0 = 3

Fulham 1-1 Bolton

Lawro: 2-0 = -1
Tarquin: 2-0 = -1

Manchester City 1-1 Hull

Guess they didn't end that streak of draws

Verdict: 2-0 = -1
Tarquin: 3-0 = -1

Portsmouth 1-4 Manchester United

Lawro: 0-2 = 1
Tarquin: 0-1 = 1

West Ham 5-3 Burnley

Lawro: 2-0 = 1.5
Tarquin: 1-0 = 1

Wigan 1-0 Sunderland

Lawro: 2-1 = 1.5
Tarquin: 2-0 = 1

SUNDAY
Arsenal v Chelsea

Lawro: 1-1 = -1
Tarquin: 1-1 = -1

Everton 0-2 Liverpool

Lawro: 1-1 = -1
Tarquin: 0-1 = 1

Wolves 0-1 Birmingham

Lawro: 2-1 = -1
Tarquin: 1-0= -1

----

Lawro got 4 right, no perfect scores = 0

Tarquin got 5 right, one perfect score = 2

Standings:

14 weeks played, 135 matches
9-5 to Tarquin

Lawro - 69 right, 13 perfects - 37 points
Tarquin - 71 right, 12 perfects - 41 points

Lawro - week 14

2009-11-27T03:06:00.000-08:00

Standings:

13 weeks played, 125 matches
8-5 to Tarquin

Lawro - 65 right, 13 perfects - 37 points
Tarquin - 66 right, 11 perfects - 39 points

Aston Villa V Tottenham

Villa are the better side, and Spurs aren't that convincing away from home

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Blackburn v Stoke

Don't see much in this, I'd favour a home win, but I'll go for a tight, goalless draw

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 0-0

Fulham v Bolton

Fulham should be too strong at home

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Manchester City v Hull

City will surely end that streak of draws

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Portsmouth v Manchester United

Pompey deserve to lose after the disgraceful manoeuvring of Grant, United should be able to handle anything this lot throw at them, but I don't think it'll be pretty United rarely are any more

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-1

West Ham v Burnley

Pressure's on the Hammers here, they should win, but you never know...

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 1-0

Wigan v Sunderland

I hear Bent may be out, that's big for Wigan who've been pretty good at home

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

SUNDAY
Arsenal v Chelsea

Hard to call - you know it's the draw

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Everton v Liverpool

Heh, 'miseryside derby' - I think Liverpool have to win this, especially considering Everton's frailties right now..but local derbies are not predictable

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 0-1

Wolves v Birmingham

I think Wolves might be able to carve something out here

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Beat Lawro week 13

2009-11-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

Liverpool 2-2 Man City

Lawro: 1-0 = -1
Tarquin: 1-1 = 2

Birmingham 1-0 Fulham

Lawro: 2-1 = 1.5
Tarquin: 0-0 = -1

Burnley 1-1 Aston Villa

Lawro: 0-2 = -1

Tarquin: 1-2 = -1

Chelsea 4-0 Wolves

Lawro: 2-0 = 1
Tarquin: 3-0 = 1

Hull 3-3 West Ham

Lawro: 2-1 = -1
Tarquin: 1-0 = -1

Sunderland 1-0 Arsenal

Lawro: 1-1 = -1
Tarquin: 2-2 = -1

Man Utd 3-0 Everton

Lawro: 2-1 = 1
Tarquin: 1-0 = 1

Bolton 0-2 Blackburn

Lawro: 2-1 = -1
Tarquin: 1-0 = -1

Tottenham 9-1 Wigan

Ok, so who got that one?

Lawro: 2-0 = 1
Tarquin: 2-0 = 1

Stoke 1-0 Portsmouth

Lawro: 2-1 = 1.5
Tarqiun: 1-0= 3!

Lawro got 5 right, NO perfect scores = 1 point

Tarquin got 5 right, One perfect score = 3 points

Woop....three points!

Standings:

13 weeks played, 125 matches
8-5 to Tarquin

Lawro - 65 right, 13 perfects - 37 points
Tarquin - 66 right, 11 perfects - 39 points

Beat Lawro week 13

2009-11-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

It's all perfectly level at the moment, both of us hoping to make up for some recent poor performances

Standings:

12 weeks played, 115 matches
7-5 to Tarquin

Lawro - 60 right, 13 perfects - 36 points
Tarquin - 61 right, 10 perfects - 36 points

Liverpool v Man City (KO 1245 GMT)

Ah, nothing like a nice two-week rest that we call 'international friendlies' for the boy Stevie - Liverpool should go into this fired up, but they remain unconvincing, and City haven't left a league game untied since September, so I'm hedging on yet another draw for City (although six in a row must be somewhat unlikely)

Lawro: 1-0
Tarquin: 1-1

Match preview

Birmingham v Fulham

Birmingham have the lowest home goal record of any team, and also the best home defence after Chelsea - Fulham, despite a clear lack of clean sheets aren't conceding too many away from home, so this one is looking tight to me

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 0-0

Match preview

Burnley v Aston Villa

Turf Moor is a nasty place to go - but we all know the team that love a good away game, the speed and pace of Villa should deal with the ultimately less-talented Burnley side, I think it could be a good battle though

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 1-2

Match preview

Chelsea v Wolves

You know, Chelsea haven't drawn at all this season, and they go into this game without Lampard, Cashley and Bosingwa - and Drogba and Ballack remain doubtful...if ever there was a chance for a slip up...

But it's Wolves...some might say that's fortunate timing, as Chelsea's reserves, led by Terry should still swat them away - but don't say I didn't warn you

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Match preview

Hull v West Ham

I don't know where Lawro gets his information, but it looks like Carlton Cole will return for this bottom of the table clash, and they beat Villa without him didn't they? Well, regardless, it's West Ham and they haven't won on the road since the opening fixture at Wolves, Hull have to be favourites

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Match preview

Sunderland v Arsenal
I don't see this being easy for the Gunners, they are hardly a force on the road, and with no RVP and a leaky defence I can see Sunderland taking advantage - Viv Anderson is going for the home win, but I'm sticking to a draw

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-2

Match preview

Man Utd v Everton (KO 1730 GMT)

I think Everton are still too rickety to mount much of a challenge to United, it won't be easy, but I think United are just too big a favourite here

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Match preview

SUNDAY

Bolton v Blackburn

Burnley are now better on the road than Blackburn, who have five played, five lost, and just three goals scored, while Bolton have showed they are pretty decent at home, unless the 'Big Sam factor' comes into play (and why would it with all of 6 fans in attendance?)

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Match preview

Tottenham v Wigan

Wigan have managed a few surprise victories this season, notably at Villa and Burnley, but Tottenham should be reasonable favourites at home

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Match preview

Stoke v Portsmouth (KO 1600 GMT)

Stoke, I don't see how Pompey, the lowest scoring team in the league, could do much at the Britannia fortress

Lawro: 2-1
Tarqiun: 1-0

Some new faces

2009-11-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

So the World Cup teams are all but settled

Who will be the seeds? Well assuming the hosts will be seeded once again (South Africa are 1st in group A already) then there are only 7 real seeds:

Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England

The only real risk is England (as usual) - the threat is from France, and quite frankly after their antics against Ireland I would be sick to my stomach if they got a top spot as well, so they probably will - it depends if our latest defeat to Brazil and their questionable win over Ireland matter enough - I'm sure someone can work it out, but we'll find out on Friday

Teams that also entered 2006:

Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Argentina, England, Australia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Paraguay, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Korea, US, Serbia (-Montenegro), France (19)

New teams:

South Africa (2002), N. Korea (1966), Denmark (2002), Chile (1998), Slovakia (first time), Honduras (1982), New Zealand (1982), Slovenia (2002), Nigeria (2002), Cameroon (2002), Algeria (1986), Greece (1994), Uruguay (2002) (13)

Only one team making their début in 2010 then, compared to eight in Germany - meaning that roughly 80 teams have now made it to a world cup finals, out of over 200 members in FIFA (although a few don't exist any more - hence 'rough') - this is in fact the first time that so few newbies have entered since believe it or not, England was the only débutante back in 1950 (and even then Slovakia is considered a joint successor of Czechoslovakia by FIFA - so there's essentially no new teams)

Teams that failed to qualify for a consecutive appearance:

Angola, Ecuador, Tunisia, Togo, Croatia, Czech Rep, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, Costa Rica, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago

4th December here we come...

France are the best team where?

2009-11-16T18:24:00.000-08:00

I had to go over to the Telegraph to find the story about Fergie having to speak to the BBC (and even then I had to do a google search - brilliant site layout there), I don't like doing it and yet again I remember why as I click on the sole article that piqued my interest

It was a harmless (but pointless) debate about Brazil exposing England

Mike Norrish happily admits that a friendly against Brazil featuring two players out of our probable first-team hardly means anything, but then somehow it justifies analysis of England's hopes, talk about hype for the sake of hype

But this really narked me:

But France, the best team of the last 10 years, beat [England] 1-0

What.the.f***

That'd be France, who are currently ranked ninth and had to enter the play-offs from a group that featured Serbia as their only real threat

The same France that came last in their group at Euro 2008 and scored a sum total of one goal

France have at one point been the top ranked side in the world - between May 2001 and May 2002, right after their victory in Euro 2000

But then what happened after May 2002? That's right, a goalless exit from the World Cup

Meanwhile Brazil, currently ranked at number one, have spent about seven of the last ten years at that position, including a five year consecutive stint after 'Les Bleus'

I am of course ignoring the more successful Euro 2004 and 2006 World Cup, in which they reached the quarter finals and final respectively

Ignoring the petulant facts that they lost to Greece in 2004, and only got past Portugal with a dodgy penalty in the semis in 2006, and indeed only won in 2000 thanks to the short-lived golden goal I will grant that they were pretty decent results

Euro 2000: Champions
2002: round 1: bottom (automatic qualification btw)
Euro 2004: QF
2006: final
2008: round 1: bottom
2010: play-off qualification

three decent performances out of five

Here's England:

Euro 2000: round 1: 3rd spot
2002: QF
Euro 2004: QF
2006: QF
2008: oops...
2010: Top spot in qualification

3 out of five...

With the sole exception of Euro 2000, which was nine and a half years ago, do you see anything that puts France as distinctly better than England, and regarded as the best side in the world for the past ten years?

Not really, on rank they do shade us over the years, and they got to one final and did actually qualify for 2008 - but on balance their poor performances in 2002 and 2008 (and indeed, 2009) match up quite well against our string of quarter finals, and no pundit worth their salt would regard France as a particularly good side right now - they have some good (understatement) players with Anelka and Henry, but it's well known the team is in a right state under Domenech and they struggle for players defensively

But let's compare ten years of Brazil

After finishing second to France in 98 what happened?

2001 Copa America: QF
2002 WC: Champions
2004 Copa America: Champions
2006 WC: QF (to France, ironically)
2007: Copa America: Champions
2010: qualification (as winners)

Ahem...no first round, goalless exits for them - five out of five

I admit that the Copa America is somewhat less competitive than the European championship, but what else can I go on? It's what the ranks use, and their world cup record is clearly better - as they actually won one in the past decade

Perhaps Norrish is foolishly thinking that France 98 was in the past decade? Well it wasn't, that team is gone (it was mostly gone by 2006) throughout almost the whole decade of the 'noughties' the sole significant achievement has been the appearance in the 2006 final

Let's look at Germany

2000: round 1 (bottom, below England...)
2002: final
2004: round 1...
2006: SF
2008: SF
2010: Qualified

three out of five

So, two poor showings - but across the past five years you can't say France have done better - any idea that they've been the best side across ten years is solely down to their victory all the way back in 2000, it's basically an average weighed down by a tournament that we've staged twice since

I am no fan of Italy, so:

2000: final
2002: round 2
2004: round 1 (on goal difference)
2006: Champions
2008: QF
2010: qualification

three out of five

I would dare say that Italy, on pure results alone, have done slightly better than France in the last ten years - two finals, one win (equal), only one first round exit, and a quarter-final, and a straightforward qualification this year - if you asked me about five years ago then yes, I'd say France have been a force for the past decade - it would include Euro 96, 98 and 2000 (this being known as their 'golden era'), but that is now ancient history

Spain, while having a decidedly dodgy patch in the middle also strung together a better run of results than France, with two quarter-finals, a first round and then second round exit, and of course, are now reigning European champions (three out of five)

Portugal, while never winning a trophy, have only really failed once in all these tournaments - 2002 was the only year where they haven't been in the top 8 (and they only failed to get to the semis once) and even in 2000 they were in the semis - if you want consistency over the past ten years then Portugal are just behind Brazil (four out of five)

So, do you see anything distinguishing them as any better than the top teams?

Here's my ranks:

Brazil - five consecutive decent showings, one World cup (+ countless others), more recent than France
Italy - three decent showings, one World cup, more recent than France
Spain - three decent showings, one European championship, more recent than France
Portugal - four decent showings, no trophies, but two semis and a final
France - three decent showings, one European championship, at the oldest tournament eligible
Germany - three decent showings, two semis and a final
England - three decent showings, all quarter finals
Netherlands - three decent showings, all regional however

So please, Mike Norrish - tell me what you base the assertion that the eighth favourite team to win the cup (@20/1) have been the best team of the last ten years on? I am intrigued

(the article is definitely 2009, not 2005...right?)

Week 12 Results

2009-11-10T01:28:00.000-08:00

Villa 5-1 Bolton

Lawro: 2-0 = 1
Tarquin: 2-1 = 1

Blackburn 3-1 Pompey

Lawro: 1-1 = -1
Tarquin: 2-0 = 1.5

City 3-3 Burnley

Lawro: 2-0 = -1
Tarquin: 3-0 = -1

Spurs 2-0 Sunderland

Lawro: 3-1 = 1.5
Tarquin: 2-1 = 1

Wolves 1-4 Arsenal

Lawro: 0-2 = 1
Tarquin: 0-2 = 1

Hull 2-1 Stoke

Lawro: 1-1 = -1
Tarquin: 1-0 = 1.5

West Ham 1-2 Everton

Lawro: 0-2 = 1
Tarquin: 0-0 = -1

Wigan 1-1 Fulham

Lawro: 2-1 = -1
Tarquin: 2-0 = -1

Chelsea 1-0 United

Lawro: 2-1 = 1.5
Tarquin: 2-1 = 1.5

Lawro = 2 points
Tarquin = 4.5 points

Lawro got 5 right, no perfects
Tarquin got 6 right, no perfects

Standings:

12 weeks played, 115 matches
7-5 to Tarquin

Lawro - 60 right, 13 perfects - 36 points
Tarquin - 61 right, 10 perfects - 36 points

Beat Lawro 12

2009-11-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

Just a quickie this week as I'm laid up

Villa v Bolton

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-1

Blackburn v Pompey

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-0

City v Burnley

Even City, going for their 5th straight league draw, should decimate Burnley

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Spurs v Sunderland

I think Bent will score at White Hart Lane, first time for everything

Lawro: 3-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Wolves v Arsenal

Arsenal haven't exactly covered themselves in glory on the road this year, but I think they'll handle Wolves

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-2

Hull v Stoke

I'm going to stick my neck out and go for a home win

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-0

West Ham v Everton

Where are the goals going to come from? Cole is injured, Everton are getting a few players back but just got whooped in Europe

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-0

Wigan v Fulham

Unpredictable, but I think Fulham will be tired from mid-week, and they don't travel well

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Chelsea v United

I've got to back Chelsea - they're a much stronger side and at home there's no stopping them, but anything can happen

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-1

What? No Liverpool? - I say 3-1

Week 11 Results

2009-11-02T21:57:00.000-08:00

Arsenal 3-0 Tottenham

Lawro: 2-0 = 1
Tarquin: 2-0 = 1

Bolton 0-4 Chelsea

Lawro: 0-2 = 1
Tarquin: 0-2 = 1

Burnley 2-0 Hull

Lawro: 1-1 = -1
Tarquin: 1-0 = 1

Everton 1-1 Aston Villa

Lawro: 1-1 = 3
Tarquin: 0-1 = -1

Fulham 3-1 Liverpool

Lawro: 1-2 = -1
Tarquin: 1-1 = -1

Manchester United v Blackburn (1730 GMT)

Lawro: 4-0 = 1
Tarquin: 2-0 = 3

Portsmouth 4-0 Wigan

Lawro: 2-1 = 1
Tarquin: 1-2 = -1

Stoke 2-2 Wolves

Lawro: 2-1 = -1
Tarquin: 2-0 = -1

Sunderland 2-2 West Ham

Lawro: 0-0 = 2
Tarquin: 2-0 = -1

Birmingham 0-0 Manchester City

Lawro: 0-2 = -1
Tarquin: 1-2 = -1

Lawro got 6 results right, one perfect score = 5 points

Tarquin 4 results right, one perfect score = 0 points

Standings:

11 weeks played, 106 matches
6-5 to Tarquin

Lawro - 55 right, 13 perfects - 34 points
Tarquin - 55 right, 10 perfects - 31.5 points

Beat Lawro Week 11

2009-10-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

Standings:

10 weeks played, 96 matches
6-4 to Tarquin

Lawro - 49 right, 12 perfects - 29 points
Tarquin - 51 right, 9 perfects - 31.5 points

Well, last week was an unmitigated disaster, but we were hardly alone as only a handful of results weren't upsets, away we go:

---------

Arsenal v Tottenham (1245 GMT)

Can't see beyond an Arsenal victory here, at least on paper - with key players out for Spurs and their form dipping, but it's a local derby so I think the odds of 8/13 for a home win are a little short

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Bolton v Chelsea

Chelsea have lost two away games on the trot, and have smashed everyone at home, so there's obviously some difficulty on the road right now, particularly at the back. Bolton lost 4-0 at Stamford bridge this week, but the reverse will be tighter I think - Chelsea have got to be favourites, but definitely room for an upset

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-2

Burnley v Hull

Burnley finally ended their impressive home run last week - they need to pick it back up now and defeat a fellow relegation hopeful in this six-pointer, a draw would help no-one, so I'm tempted to back it, but I think Burnley can pull out a performance to beat Hull

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Everton v Aston Villa

Whinge, whinge, whinge - that's what Moyes and Neville have been doing all week - 'too many games in a week', well I say they know the way it works and that you need a big squad to contest three tournaments at once - their main bone of contention was having to play Spurs on a Tuesday because of Arsenal being televised, but really, this stuff is par for the course and they are suffering from injuries, while Villa look the better side with a solid defence and on the counter-attack they should take apart Everton - an unpredictable game, but I think Villa are the best choice

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 0-1

Fulham v Liverpool

Can I just point out that while Lawro is bigging up Liverpool's result last week, he actually said they'd draw. Speaking of draws, Liverpool haven't had one yet, and this should be a tight affair

Lawro: 1-2
Tarquin: 1-1

Manchester United v Blackburn (1730 GMT)

United, you know it, they should just have too much for Blackburn - but why is Lawro suddenly breaking his record and going for four? Blackburn won't be pushovers and how fit is Rooney? They'll win, but they won't rip them apart

Lawro: 4-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Portsmouth v Wigan

Wigan are a bit all over the place, but last week they took on Burnley and played well to win 3-1, they take their chances against Pompey then they can win there too, Pompey may be committed but they don't stand a chance if the opposition brings it to them, but the bottom-placed could really do with a result here, the next three games look rather nasty

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-2

Stoke v Wolves

I just can't see Wolves breaking down Stoke, nor can I see them stopping Stoke scoring a few

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Sunderland v West Ham

One had a dip in form, the other a rise in form, last week, so that makes this game slightly more interesting than it might have been - but this is a return to home for the Black Cats, where they have taken on all comers (except Chelsea) and an away trip for West Ham, where they are pretty rubbish, so unless the Hammers really have it up 'em then my money is on a Sunderland win (literally)

Lawro: 0-0
Tarquin: 2-0

SUNDAY
Birmingham v Manchester City

One of the trickiest ones this week I think, City have drawn the last three on the trot and don't seem to have that cutting edge finish at the moment, and Birmingham are pretty tough at home, but I'm going to give Hughes' boys the benefit of the doubt

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 1-2

Week 10 results - not good

2009-10-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, everybody did awful this week - so assume we got it wrong unless otherwise said

Wolves 1-1 Aston Villa

1-2
Lawro: 2-1

Birmingham 2-1 Sunderland

1-1
Lawro: 1-1

Burnley 1-3 Wigan

1-0
Lawro: 2-1

Hull 0-0 Portsmouth

1-0
Lawro: 1-0 (what the hell is a 24-pointer?)

Tottenham 0-1 Stoke

3-0
Lawro: 2-0

Chelsea 5-0 Blackburn

2-0 = 1
Lawro: 3-0 = 1

Bolton 3-2 Everton

1-1
Lawro: 2-0 = 1

Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United

1-1
Lawro: 1-1

Manchester City 2-2 Fulham

2-1
Lawro: 2-0

West Ham 2-2 Arsenal

0-1
Lawro: 0-2

Tarquin got one right = -8
Lawro got two right = -6

Shameful..

Standings:

10 weeks played, 96 matches
6-4 to Tarquin

Lawro - 49 right, 12 perfects - 29 points
Tarquin - 51 right, 9 perfects - 31.5 points

Beat Lawro Week 10

2009-10-23T01:39:00.000-07:00

Standings:

9 weeks played, 86 matches
6-3 to Tarquin

Lawro - 47 right, 12 perfects - 35 points
Tarquin - 50 right, 9 perfects - 39.5 points

Update: Now added Lawro's predictions

Wolves v Aston Villa

Considering Villa’s sturdy defence and counter-attacking football then I can only go for a Villa win here against Wolves rather shoddy back-line

1-2
Lawro: 2-1

Birmingham v Sunderland

My first instinct was a Sunderland win, considering their attacking prowess, but the best they’ve done on the road this season, since that first slim victory over Bolton, is a single draw, admittedly that was at Old Trafford, but still, against a pretty solid defence like Birmingham’s I think it will be tight

1-1
Lawro: 1-1

Burnley v Wigan

Might as well keep the faith in Burnley’s perfect home record

1-0
Lawro: 2-1

Hull v Portsmouth

Even the wildly unpredictable Hull have to be favourites here, though I wouldn’t bet on it

1-0
Lawro: 1-0 (what the hell is a 24-pointer?)

Tottenham v Stoke

Got to be a Spurs win, even without the suspended Defoe

3-0
Lawro: 2-0

Chelsea v Blackburn

Something’s gone a bit wrong at Chelsea – what a shame, I do hope it’s just not a blip under the latest superstar manager, but they remain undefeated at home – and collapsing defence and rubbish midfield or not, they still have enough quality to turn over ‘long-ball’ Blackburn, unless David Dunn actually is the messiah

2-0
Lawro: 3-0

Bolton v Everton

How entertaining this sounds… Bolton do like to put up a fight at home, and Everton remain unconvincing – I’ll go for a draw, though I had a dream last night that Matt Taylor got a hat-trick

1-1
Lawro: 2-0

Liverpool v Manchester United

~~Draw~~ I mean, will Liverpool actually lose three league games in a row? Well, at least they’ve stopped that annoying drawing thing that crippled them the last few years, now they just lose…

But surely they have to bring it to this one – Rafa’s got to kick them in the arse, and no doubt if Stevie G and Torres are back they’ll provide something, and United are hardly world-beaters right now - and Rooney is likely to be out (so in short – all the big four look pretty ropey this season) – anyway, you can never call these, Liverpool might win, but yeah, still a draw

1-1
Lawro: 1-1

Manchester City v Fulham

The sort of home game where City will show us their true potential, they need to win if they have any real aspirations, and they should

2-1
Lawro: 2-0

West Ham v Arsenal

You may be able to pass a beach ball through Arsenal’s defence, and they may not travel well, but relegation hopefuls the Hammers haven’t won since opening day – yes, that’s even worse than Portsmouth, and only they and Pompey have failed to win more than one game – not the best prospects for beating Arsenal

0-1
Lawro: 0-2

Week 9 results

2009-10-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea

Lawro: 1-1 = -1
Tarquin: 1-2 = -1

Arsenal 3-1 Birmingham

Lawro: 3-0 = 1
Tarquin: 4-0 = 1

Everton 1-1 Wolves

Lawro: 2-0 = -1
Tarquin: 1-0 = -1

Man Utd 2-1 Bolton

Lawro: 2-0 = 1
Tarquin: 1-0 = 1.5

Portsmouth 1-2 Tottenham

Lawro: 1-1 = -1
Tarquin: 1-2 = 3

Stoke 2-1 West Ham

Lawro: 2-1 = 3
Tarquin: 1-0 = 1.5

Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool

Lawro: 2-2 = -1
Tarquin: 1-1 = -1

Blackburn 3-2 Burnley

Lawro: 1-2 = -1
Tarquin: 1-0 = 1.5

Wigan 1-1 Man City

Lawro: 2-1 = -1
Tarquin: 0-1 = -1

Fulham v Hull City

Lawro: 2-0 = 3
Tarquin: 1-0 = 1

-------

Lawro got 4 right, with two perfect scores = 2 pts

Tarquin got 6 right, only one perfect score = 5.5 pts

9 weeks played, 86 matches
6-3 to Tarquin

Lawro - 47 right, 12 perfects - 35 points
Tarquin - 50 right, 9 perfects - 39.5 points

Beat Lawro - week 9

2009-10-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

Current Standings:

8 weeks played, 76 matches
5-3 to Tarquin

Lawro - 43 right, 10 perfects - 33 points
Tarquin - 44 right, 8 perfects - 34 points

----

Aston Villa v Chelsea

Tempting to go for the draw after an international break and Villa's defence is looking rather good right now, but I think Chelsea by a whisker

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-2

Arsenal v Birmingham

Once again Arsenal are the shoe-in of the week, can't see Birmingham getting anything from this

Lawro: 3-0
Tarquin: 4-0

Everton v Wolves

Can't see anything beyond a home win here, could be a bit stodgy though with Everton's busy line-up

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 1-0

Man Utd v Bolton

International break, a rested Rooney - things could get a little stressful for the red-faced one, Bolton are a tough side and are scoring goals, but the smart money always has to go on United at home

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 1-0

Portsmouth v Tottenham

Portsmouth finally got a win last time - ruined my record, but I'm sticking with the plan - Spurs may not be all that on the road but I just don't think Pompey can handle a decent attacking side with those players, it's all about the Spurs side that shows up really, I don't expect the current south coast team to get a huge lift from the return of 'Arry, I may be wrong...

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-2

Stoke v West Ham

West Ham don't travel at the best of times, I don't see why that would change at the Britannia

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Sunderland v Liverpool

Could go either way here, and Liverpool will be without their dynamic duo so a Sunderland win looks reasonable - but Liverpool can pull anything out of the bag when they want, they got some of their best results without them last season so anything's possible here - hedging on a draw

Lawro: 2-2
Tarquin: 1-1

SUNDAY

Blackburn v Burnley

Northwest derby or not, I don't think Burnley will bring their home defence, but I don't think this will be an easy game, either

Lawro: 1-2
Tarquin: 1-0

Wigan v Man City

Lots of pros and cons here, I'm not convinced enough by Wigan to go for a home victory, so I'm going for a very slight City win, although I'm tempted by the draw

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin; 0-1

Fulham v Hull City

Fulham are still good at home, honest - they were very unlucky against Arsenal, but if they play like that against Hull they should win - but it's the Tigers, so anything could happen

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 1-0

Beat Lawro - number eight results

2009-10-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

Bolton 2-2 Tottenham

Lawro: 1-1 = 2pts
Tarquin: 1-1 = 2pts

Burnley 2-1 Birmingham

Lawo: 2-1 = 3pts
Tarquin: 2-0 = 1pt

Hull 2-1 Wigan

Lawro: 2-1 = 3pts
Tarquin: 1-1 = -1pt

Wolves 0-1 Portsmouth

Lawro: 1-1 = -1pt
Tarquin: 2-1 = -1pt

Manchester United 2-2 Sunderland

Lawro: 2-0 = -1pt
Tarquin: 2-1 = -1pt

Arsenal 6-2 Blackburn

Lawro: 3-0 = 1pt
Tarquin: 4-0 = 1.5pts

Everton 1-1 Stoke

Lawro: 2-0 = -1pt
Tarquin: 2-0 = -1pt

West Ham 2-2 Fulham

Lawro: 2-1 = -1
Tarquin: 1-0 = -1

Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool

Lawro: 1-1 = -1pt
Tarquin: 1-1 = -1pt

Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester City

Lawro: 1-1 = 3pts
Tarquin: 1-1 = 3pts

Lawro got 5 right, with three perfect scores = 7 pts

Tarquin got 4 right, only one perfect score = 1.5 pts

D'oh...

8 weeks played, 76 matches
5-3 to Tarquin

Lawro - 43 right, 10 perfects - 33 points
Tarquin - 44 right, 8 perfects - 34 points

Beat Lawro - number eight

2009-10-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

Current Standings:

7 weeks played, 66 matches
5-2 to Tarquin

Lawro - 38 right, 7 perfects - 26 points
Tarquin - 40 right, 7 perfects - 32.5 points

---

Bolton v Tottenham

We have had four draws out of 66 games - virtually one in every two gameweeks - we're due a couple - I think this, considering Tottenham's away performances and Bolton's efforts (why is there still Megson hate?), will be one of them

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Burnley v Birmingham

I don't think Burnley's home form can hold up all season, they will tire and teams will adjust, they don't have the strength of Stoke or Fulham last season, but they will beat Birmingham, who won't provide a threat on goal

Lawo: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Hull v Wigan

Difficult to call, but despite that Hull are my second most successful team, shame about Wigan - I had Bramble on the bench! Stupid lazy millionaires... oh, I'm going for a draw

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Wolves v Portsmouth

You've got to say Pompey deserved something last week, and they have to get points at some point - although their team remains incredibly weak, and I'm not sure if they can achieve any sort of consistency without many premier league-quality players - If it ain't broke, don't fix it, I say - Wolves win

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Manchester United v Sunderland

Is it just me or is Ryan Giggs the only thing saving United right now? Great for him - but how long can a 35-year old last? He's already shined in three games on the trot, the man must be tiring - he's some sort of god if not. Rooney is the only other main weapon in attack - Nani and Valencia are not looking brilliant, so it's basically down to one reliable player in Rooney, two old masters in Giggs and Scholes, and occasionally Carrick - doesn't bode well for the new year in my book, but this game I can see little else but a United win. Sunderland could produce something, but it's an outside chance, and no doubt if they're winning expect an equaliser a week later

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-1

Arsenal v Blackburn

Arsenal - with allegations of bullying thrown in.

Did you know Arsenal have won every home game so far with four goals, and the only win where they didn't score four or more was at Fulham

Lawro: 3-0
Tarquin: 4-0

Everton v Stoke

Everton have strikers now?? Blimey, well they're over their usual sluggish start, so I fully expect an Everton goal or two

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

West Ham v Fulham

Tricky, Fulham were a match for Arsenal last week and didn't deserve to lose, but their away form is still questionable, meanwhile the Hammers have yet to win at home (ok, it was Tottenham and Liverpool) - I would think this'll be their first three home points

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Chelsea v Liverpool

Well, at least Lawro isn't a complete idiot - the odds are always in favour of a draw in these games - doesn't mean it won't be a whitewash, just that it's the best choice. Presumably the Chelsea defence won't do a Wigan and I think they'll be very much up for this, maybe Liverpool will be too after that midweek game?

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Aston Villa v Manchester City

Oh joy, do you know the odds for this one? Villa 7/4, City 7/4...

Guess I'm going for a draw again

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Oh, wonderful - we disagree on two games! But it's not too bad I guess as we only totally agree on four, actually better than last week

Some BL stats

2009-09-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

I thought I should do some analysis of my prediction results on a team-by-team basis

So here we go (points are based on teams, not matches, so are just indicative):

Arsenal: Six played - three right, NO perfect scores - 50% success rate (0.5pts)

Aston Villa: Six played - three right, NO perfect scores - 50% success rate (0.5pts)

Birmingham: Seven played - four right, NO perfect scores - 57% success rate (1.5 pts)

Blackburn: Six played - three right, NO perfect scores - 50% success rate (0pts)

Bolton: Six played - two right, NO perfect scores - 33% success rate (-1.5pts)

Burnley: Seven played - four right, two perfect scores - 57% success rate (5pts)

Chelsea: Seven played - four right, one perfect score - 57% success rate (3pts)

Everton: Six played - four right, one perfect score - 66% success rate (5pts)

Fulham: Six played - four right, one perfect score - 66% success rate (5pts)

Hull: Seven played - five right, one perfect score - 71% success rate (5pts)

Liverpool: Seven played - five right, NO perfect scores - 71% success rate (3.5pts)

Manchester City: Six played, four right, NO perfect scores - 66% success rate (2.5pts)

Manchester United: Seven played - three right, NO perfect scores - 43% success rate (-0.5pts)

Portsmouth: Seven played - seven right, two perfect scores - 100% success rate (11.5pts)

Stoke: Seven played - three right, one perfect score - 43% success rate (1.5pts)

Sunderland: Seven played - five right, NO perfect scores - 71% success rate (3.5pts)

Tottenham: Seven played - five right, one perfect score - 71% success rate (5pts)

West Ham: Six played, four right, two perfect scores - 66% (6.5pts)

Wigan: Seven played - four right, one perfect score - 57% success rate (3.5pts)

Wolves: Seven played - four right, one perfect scores - 57% success rate (3pts)

Most successful teams:

100% - Portsmouth
71% - Hull, Liverpool, Sunderland, Tottenham
66% - Everton, Fulham, West ham, City
57% - Birmingham, Burnley, Chelsea, Wigan, Wolves
50% - Arsenal, Villa, Blackburn
43% - Manchester United, Stoke
33% - Bolton

Perfect scores
Two - Burnley, Portsmouth, West Ham
One - Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Hull, Stoke, Tottenham, Wigan, Wolves
None - Arsenal, Villa, Birmingham, Blackburn, Bolton, Liverpool, City, United, Sunderland

Best pointers: (I'm just doing this to give Portsmouth some points)

Portsmouth (11.5)
West Ham (6.5)
Burnley, Everton, Fulham, Hull, Tottenham (5)
Liverpool, Sunderland, Wigan (3.5)
Chelsea, Wolves (3)
City (2.5)
Birmingham, Stoke (1.5)
Arsenal, Villa (0.5)
Blackburn (0)

Negative nellies:
United (-0.5)
Bolton (-1.5)

So trust me with Portsmouth, and I really need to work on United and Bolton

Beat Lawro week 7 Results

2009-09-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Premier League Results:

Portsmouth 0 - 1 Everton

Tarquin: 0-1 = 3pts
Lawro: 1-1 = -1

Birmingham 1 - 2 Bolton

Tarquin: 1-1 = -1
Lawro: 1-2 = 3pts

Blackburn 2 - 1 Aston Villa

Tarquin: 0-1 = -1
Lawro: 1-2 = -1

Liverpool 6-1 Hull City

Tarquin: 3-0 = 1
Lawro: 3-0 = 1

Stoke 0-2 Manchester United

Tarquin: 1-1 = -1
Lawro: 1-1 = -1

Tottenham 5-0 Burnley

Tarquin: 3-0 = 1
Lawro: 3-0 = 1

Wigan 3-1 Chelsea

Tarquin: 0-3 = -1
Lawro: 0-2 = -1

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Tarquin: 1-2 = 1.5
Lawro: 1-2 = 1.5

Sunderland 5-2 Wolverhampton

Tarquin: 2-0 = 1
Lawro: 1-1 = -1

Man City 3-1 West Ham

Tarquin: 3-0 = 1
Lawro: 2-0 = 1.5

Told you it'd be close - honours even until the Sunday match clinched it for me!

Tarquin got 6 right, one perfect = 4.5 pts
Lawro got 5 right, one perfect = 3 pts

7 weeks played, 66 matches
5-2 to Tarquin

Lawro - 38 right, 7 perfects - 26 points
Tarquin - 40 right, 7 perfects - 32.5 points

Beat Lawro week 7

2009-09-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

It's back...like every week

Current Standings:

6 weeks played, 56 matches
4-2 to Tarquin

Lawro - 33 right, 6 perfects - 23 points
Tarquin - 34 right, 6 perfects - 28 points

Need to put some daylight between us I think...

Portsmouth v Everton (1245 BST)

Can Pompey get a point finally? One day they will, but I will never predict that day, so once again I'll say they're going to lose - six out of six so far ain't bad (ooh, I should compare my success rate with teams...)

0-1
Lawro: 1-1

Birmingham v Bolton

Birmingham have been very solid at home, meanwhile it's Bolton on the road - who, if we ignore the trip to Portsmouth, are pretty hopeless - I don't know what Lawro is on about with Birmingham injuries - they only player who's actually played this season who they've lost is Queudrue, it might be decisive now, and it's certainly bad across the season - but they've got this far without most of them, and they beat Hull away without him, and they finally have Benitez fit

1-1
Lawro: 1-2

Blackburn v Aston Villa

Villa are making their best start to the season ever, I'd be mad not to tip them to take their counter attack to Blackburn

0-1
Lawro: 1-2

Liverpool v Hull City

Two? three? four? Who knows, but it'll be one plus/minus whatever I say...three seems a good middle-ground, and I bet Lawro goes for that too

3-0
Lawro: 3-0 - yep...

Stoke v Manchester United

SThe smart money is on United and why not? But I'm going to tempt fate and back a draw, Chelsea only just got past them at the Brittannia, and they're the better team (and you can get that draw at a decent 7/2 at least - very nice)

1-1
Lawro: 1-1 - What? You bastard!

Tottenham v Burnley

Yummy, I say 3-0, as does Lawro...

Crouchy, don't let me down

3-0
Lawro: 3-0

Wigan v Chelsea

I don't think Wigan wll put up much resistance to the flowing Chelsea, I bet Lawro says 0-2, so I'll for three!

0-3
Lawro: 0-2 - 'Lawro's predictions' should just be 'Predict Lawro'

Fulham v Arsenal (1730 BST)

Arsenal should win this, but knowing their defence I expect even Zamora might get a goal back

1-2
Lawro: 1-2 - oh for f***'s sake

SUNDAY

Sunderland v Wolverhampton

I foresee a demolition job here, god I'm lazy with these games

2-0
Lawro: 1-1

Man City v West Ham

Got to be City, West Ham don't usually bring anything with them, Could only be by one goal, but I'll opt for the rout...

3-0
Lawro: 2-0

So we only disagree on 3 games...yay...and four are exactly the same, one of us will be lucky to win by a significant margin

High Praise Indeed

2009-09-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't know what I did - but Dan seems to think I helped make Football Banter the 8th most popular sports blog - hmm...

Well, it's no bad thing - but now I feel I should ramp it up a bit, I don't really do much and all I really do on this blog is Beat Lawro, I don't really know what people want

Ahhh...pressure!

(Beat Lawro back soon!)

Beat Lawro week 6 Results

2009-09-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

Burnley v Sunderland

Lawro: 2-1

Tarquin: 1-1

Result: 3-1

Lawro 1, Tarquin -1

Arsenal v Wigan

Lawro: 2-0

Tarquin: 2-0

Result: 4-0

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1

Aston Villa v Portsmouth

Lawro: 2-0

Tarquin: 3-0

Result: 2-0 (doh!)

Lawro 3, Tarquin 1

Bolton v Stoke

L: 1-1

T: 1-0

Result: 1-1

Lawro 3, Tarquin -1

Hull v Birmingham

L: 1-0

T: 0-0

Result: 0-1 - my girlfriend got that one...

Lawro -1, Tarquin -1

West Ham v Liverpool

Lawro: 1-1

Tarquin: 0-1

Result: 2-3 - for once, Liverpool come through for me

Lawro -1, Tarquin 1.5

Manchester United v Manchester City

Lawro: 2-1

Tarquin: 2-1

Result: 4-3

Lawro 1.5, Tarquin 1.5

Wolves v Fulham

Lawro: 2-1

Tarquin :0-0

Result: 2-1

Lawro 3, Tarquin -1

Everton v Blackburn

Lawro: 2-1

Tarquin: 2-0

Result: 3-0 - Oh, come on!!

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1

Chelsea v Tottenham

Lawro:2-1

Tarquin: 2-1

Result 3-0

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1

Lawro got 8 right, with 3 perfect scores = 12.5pts
Tarquin got 6 right, None perfect... = 3 pts

Ouch...

Overall that makes it 4-2 to Tarquin, and

56 played

Lawro - 33 right, 6 perfects - 23 points
Tarquin - 34 right, 6 perfects - 28 points

Thank god for goal difference is all I can say

Beat Lawro week 6

2009-09-18T03:44:00.000-07:00

Current Standings:

46 played
Lawro - 25 right, 3 perfects - 10.5 points
Tarquin - 28 right, 6 perfects - 25 points

Burnley v Sunderland

Burnley have been good at home, picking up full points off both United and Everton, while Sunderland have shown themselves capable, but their away record is yet to materialise after only two games so it’s difficult to know how this will pan out, Burnley may hold out, or Sunderland could run rampant, I’m going to hedge on this being the first draw of the season for both sides

Lawro: 2-1

Tarquin: 1-1

Arsenal v Wigan

Arsenal may be a little tired after their European exploits but I expect them to have enough in the tank to deal with a visit from Wigan

Lawro: 2-0

T: 2-0

Aston Villa v Portsmouth

Villa may not be the best at home but I fully expect them to deal with Portsmouth, who surprisingly managed two actual goals at home to Bolton last week – but that was at home to Bolton, Pompey simply don’t have the quality to bring any sort of threat to teams like Villa – that defence is so leaky I think you should give the ball to Agbonlahor from a goal-kick and see if he can walk it in

Lawro: 2-0

T: 3-0

Bolton v Stoke

Bolton have been little fighters of late, nearly shocking Anfield and putting three past Pompey last week, Stoke tend to sit back when they travel, so if there is a goal it’ll probably be a scrappy Bolton one

L: 1-1

T: 1-0

Hull v Birmingham

Oh god, predicting Hull is never easy – and I have virtually no form to go on here, Birmingham have generally done pretty well in their two away defeats (United and Spurs) Hull meanwhile were thrashed by Spurs and just beat Bolton at home, I would venture this will be pretty tight, I would favour Hull, but I think a nil-nil

L; 1-0

T: 0-0

West Ham v Liverpool

Liverpool shouldn’t have too much pressure on them, what with their season now over and all…, but seriously – I don’t think West Ham will put up much, and if Liverpool get any sort of rhythm going they should score a few, they could be fatigued and it’ll be really dull, but I think Liverpool are slight favourites here

L: 1-1

T: 0-1

Manchester United v Manchester City

Ah…the only one we’re all interested in, how will the pretenders to the throne handle the champions? In all honesty I think they’ll do it well – United still have a lot of talent, but are against a bit more talent who are playing slightly better right now, but this could all turn on the head of a pin, and City will be missing their major threat in Adebayor so it's a very good time for United to play them, and it’s Old Trafford, so I’m going for a home win

L: 2-1

T: 2-1

Wolves v Fulham

Another tricky one, Wolves haven’t had much to work with at home, drawing with Hull, and they’ve only managed three goals out of five games, but then Fulham aren’t much on the road, as usual – I think it’s safe to say this won’t be high-scoring, Wolves the favourite

L: 2-1

T:0-0

Everton v Blackburn

Are Everton back on track? That is the question, and what better time to test that out than with a home game against Blackburn? I don’t expect much excitement, but one would hope the Toffees can create a chance or two

L: 2-1

T: 2-0

Chelsea v Tottenham

Ah, a good old London derby between the two top teams from the capital – this could be interesting, I’ve got to say I favour Chelsea in this – they’re at home and look fairly unbeatable but Tottenham will probably bring something, probably in the shape of a small pair of legs who sounds a bit like a deceased member of the Beatles

L:2-1

T: 2-1

I do believe that's called a 'drubbing'

2009-09-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

Blackburn v Wolves
Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0
Actual: 3-1

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1

Liverpool v Burnley
Lawro: 3-0
Tarquin: 3-0
Actual 4-0

Every frigging time!! One goal out!

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1

City v Arsenal
Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-2
Actual 4-2

Whoops, oh well - I won't actually give myself a point because Adebayor scored, the glory is enough - that, and winning money...

Lawro -1, Tarquin -1

Portsmouth v Bolton
Lawro: 0-0
Tarquin: 0-1
Actual 2-3

What was it Lawro said? - 'dull-dull' (implied)...and we a five goal thriller

Lawro -1, Tarquin 1.5

Stoke v Chelsea
Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-0
Actual 1-2

So close...94 minutes!!!

Lawro 1, Tarquin -1

Sunderland v Hull
Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0
Actual 4-1

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1

Wigan v West Ham
Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0
Actual 1-0

Lawro 1.5, Tarquin 3

Tottenham v Man United
Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1
Actual 1-3

Lawro -1, Tarquin -1

Birmingham v Villa
Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-2
Actual 0-1

Lawro -1, Tarquin 1.5

Fulham v Everton
Lawro: 1-2
Tarquin: 1-0
Actual 2-1

Lawro -1, Tarquin 1.5

Lawro got 5 right, No perfect = 0.5 pts
Tarquin got 7 right, with One Perfect score = 7.5pts

Overall standings:

46 played
Lawro - 25 right, 3 perfects - 10.5 points
Tarquin - 28 right, 6 perfects - 25 points

5 rounds played - Tarquin 4-1 Lawro

Beat Lawro Returns

2009-09-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

Standings going in to week 5:

Lawro 20, 3 perfect - 10pts
Tarquin 21, 5 perfect - 17.5 pts

*Out of 36 played

----

Blackburn v Wolverhampton

Wolves will no doubt get at Blackburn but I think they'll be just a little too solid for them, I'm going for a narrow home win

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Liverpool v Burnley

Well I managed to get Chelsea v Burnley spot on with a 3-0 last time and got a free fiver for it, so should I go for it again? I always miss Liverpool so maybe I'll stick to it

Lawro: 3-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Man City v Arsenal

This will be interesting - two teams that should be fairly well-matched, City have yet to be really challenged and Arsenal have more quality, but that said they aren't much of a physical presence and don't always travel well, and have lost Arshavin for a few weeks...tricky - City are the punters' favourites at a reasonable 2/1 but that's because they think it's good value, not because they are more likely to win, I'll tip Arsenal with Fabregas back

But what's the betting Adebayor will score? (an extra point if he does, hehe)

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-2

Portsmouth v Bolton

I'm tempted by Lawro's nil-nil I must admit, but I'm inclined to think that even Bolton can net at Fratton park this year, but don't hold me to it

Lawro: 0-0
Tarquin: 0-1

Stoke v Chelsea

Another tricky one, Chelsea will have to work hard for this and I wonder if the international break could just swing it in Stoke's favour, I'm going to stick my neck out and say Chelsea's perfect run has to end somewhere

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-0

Sunderland v Hull

Sunderland have just nabbed one of Hull's best defenders, and they're at home, I'm strongly backing Sunderland

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Wigan v West Ham

West Ham don't really take much on the road, Wigan meanwhile have only taken points from their opener at Villa so I'm not expecting much here - I think if Wigan turn up then it should be a comfortable first home win

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Tottenham v Man Utd (1730 KO)

Ah, the glamour match - I don't know what to make of this one, Spurs can attack, but their defence is still full of holes, and they've lost their string-puller Modric, while United are yet to find their form and are still possibly without Rio - tough, I think United should be slight favourites - if they keep it tight then they should be fine, but I don't see a huge goal threat, conversely if they let Lennon run around then Spurs will have a field day, so I'll stick to a draw, and probably watch as Abou Diaby pops his idiot head up and ruins me again...

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Birmingham v Aston Villa (1200 KO)

This one's up in the air - Birmingham are solid but if Villa show up then they should be able to break them down, but then it's a local derby and anything can happen - but I'm still sticking with conventional wisdom

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-2

Fulham v Everton (1615 KO)

I expect a solid display from both sides - Fulham don't seem quite the side they were last season, and nor do Everton just yet, but they both seem to be settling a bit, and I wonder if we'll see anything of note here - Lawro thinks goal machine (seven whole goals last season!) Andy Johnson was a big loss, I say the loss of a bloke who couldn't hit a barn door with a cow, let alone a banjo, is no big deal - I'd rather have the good luck charm Zamora - a slight Fulham win (please...I need clean sheets)

Lawro 1-2
Tarquin 1-0

Argentina: We;re hopeful, but it ain't news

2009-09-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

I saw this headline in respect of Argentina's plight

Argentina World Cup spot in doubt

Now, I may be getting very excited that they won't qualify, however it is merely a hope - any realistic survey of their position will show they are on course for at worst a play-off spot against a middling team from north America

Team v • d • e	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
Brazil	16	9	6	1	32	9	+23	33
Paraguay	16	9	3	4	22	13	+9	30
Chile	16	8	3	5	27	20	+7	27
Ecuador	16	6	5	5	21	23	−2	23
Argentina	16	6	4	6	20	19	+1	22
Uruguay	16	5	6	5	26	18	+8	21
Venezuela	16	6	3	7	22	27	−5	21
Colombia	16	5	5	6	10	14	−4	20
Bolivia	16	3	3	10	20	34	−14	12
Peru	16	2	4	10	9	32	−23	10

(play off line has disappeared - it's on 5th placed Argies)

Two games left with a one point cushion - not brilliant, certainly, but let's be realistic - Argentina's next game is at home against Peru - the team who have lost every single away game, even to Bolivia (3-0...) - they are our Andorra - ranked 91st in the world, just below Montenegro and Moldova

OK, Andorra are 195th - they are our Belarus then

Either way this is not a game to be seriously concerned over - a maximum three points will leave them going into their last game with their destiny in their own hands

Meanwhile, their biggest threats, Ecuador and Uruguay are rather fortunately playing each other in Quito - meaning that Ecuador have a pretty good chance of winning (at 15,000 feet) - this will most likely mean that the Argies will be out of Uruguay's reach anyway when they play them in the last round

Meanwhile Venezuela will be playing Paraguay and then going to Brazil - I don't see the necessary five points there, and Colombia will face Chile and Paraguay - again, a big ask

So basically not to qualify for the play-off Maradona needs to not beat Peru, failing that - Ecuador and Uruguay need to draw, then he needs to lose to Uruguay, while Ecuador also win in Chile

It sounds like the reverse of the insanity we normally need - one thing's for sure, CONMEBOL is a little too forgiving...

Don't get ahead of yourselves

2009-09-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

Here come the 'World Beater' comments

That was in the Times - lauding how great England have been

True, they have been great - few teams have handled a perfect qualification - just look at big names France and Portugal, and Argentina - and England have scored an average of 4 goals a game, an achievement in anyone's books

They have been consistent, organised, committed, all perfectly true, I'm not going to downplay their achievements - they look like a team worthy of the finals, but that doesn't make them 'world-beaters'

The fact that Capello has created a team capable of demolishing smaller international sides and play decent football at the same time is great, we used to look so ropey and do things by a whisker - the hopelessness under McLaren surely remains at the back of all our minds, but it does not mean you are the best team in the world

Croatia are a good side, as are Ukraine - but they don't compare to Spain or Brazil, or even the Netherlands or Germany, they are just other well-managed teams with a smaller pool of talent than even us

The fact that we haven't gone into fairly dull games against Belarus, Andorra and Kazakhstan as nervous wrecks is one of Capello's greatest achievements - these are games we should win, and it's wonderful that we brushed them aside so easily - but this is just the start, this is what we should expect from a team of our stature - two years ago we were like Portugal are now, and it's not a position any decent team should be in - we have laid the foundations, we have shown we're comparable to the Dutch, Germans and Spanish in terms of qualification

But there is nothing to show that we're any better than them - against those three teams I mentioned we have beaten one, drawn one and lost one, all in the past year

True, they were friendlies, and we all know about England and friendlies - but there is no evidence to suggest that we can walk into any game as absolute favourites - we can go in as contenders, nothing more

What Capello has created is a capable team full of confidence and commitment - he has got the qualification job done at a trot, but now he must focus on the cup - which no doubt he will, and he will be under no illusions that we are world-beaters - he will take every game seriously

Cups are a different beast - games in the summer when there's no domestic footie, potentially half-a-dozen internationals within a few weeks, better opponents and all the matches are played abroad, and of course, the pressure is far higher - this all needs to be addressed

Capello took a dejected team and made them fight as the underdogs in a group mostly made up of nobodies, that's all over now (he also made good use of being able to negotiate the fixtures, with Croatia placed very strategically, and notice we have yet to go to Kiev)

The expectation (mainly from the fools who call us world-beaters) will now be back and so will the pressure, Capello will need to prepare for a new challenge - handling the group stage, and then tackling the knock-out rounds where we will hopefully play some of the top ten sides in the world, there is a lot of room for that fear to come back - fortunately I think Capello is the man to deal with our footballers' insecurities, and that is probably far more important than the individual talents of our team, which were probably slightly higher in 2006

He will no doubt remember that little scare against Ukraine - where a late Terry goal spared our blushes, we are not infallible - but you can take away from that example that even on an off day our players went for the win right to the end - that's a good mentality to have

Fortunately Capello knows a lot better than the hacks, and I have faith in him, even if I don't expect us to tear apart Spain, Brazil and the Netherlands

Beat him again 29/8/09 Results

2009-08-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

Chelsea v Burnley
Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0
Actual 3-0

Lawro 1, Tarquin 3

Blackburn v West Ham
Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin 1-0
Actual 0-0

Lawro -1, Tarquin -1

Bolton v Liverpool
Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-2
Actual: 2-3

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1

Stoke v Sunderland
Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-1
Actual 1-0

Lawro -1, Tarquin 1.5

Tottenham v Birmingham
Lawro: 3-1
Tarquin: 3-0
Actual: 2-1

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1

Wolves v Hull
Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1
Actual 1-1

Lawro -1, Tarquin 3

Man Utd v Arsenal
Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1
Actual: 2-1

Lawro -1, Tarquin -1

Portsmouth v Man City
Lawro: 1-2
Tarquin: 0-2
Actual: 0-1

Lawro 1.5, Tarquin 1

Everton v Wigan
Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin 1-0
Actual 2-1

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1.5

Aston Villa v Fulham
Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0
Actual: 2-0

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Lawro got 6 right, no perfect scores
Tarquin got 8 right, with 2 perfect scores

Lawro: 2.5
Tarquin: 11

Sweeeet!

That makes the overall standings thus:

Lawro 20, 3 perfect - 10pts
Tarquin 21, 5 perfect - 17.5 pts

*Out of 36 played

Statistical blips - Lawro was lucky

2009-08-27T20:05:00.001-07:00

Tipping rule #1 - don't get cocky

Lawro managed to beat me last week and overtake me to boot - despite me winning the first two weeks, but never fear - a point is not much

Standings as at Round 4:

Lawro 14, 3 perfect - 7.5 pts
Tarquin 13, 3 perfect - 6.5 pts

*Out of 26 played

Anyway, onwards:

Chelsea v Burnley

Burnley are doing great - but do you really think they're going to Stamford Bridge and winning? They've won two at home, and home form is what they need, they won't be doing over teams on the road (watch me eat my words...)

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Blackburn v West Ham

I care, so much - If you didn't know West Ham did actually win that fight 3-1, but not that it matters, it's all about going to Blackburn and I doubt the Hammers have much to threaten the stoic Blackburn side...boring

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin 1-0

Bolton v Liverpool

Liverpool have already matched last year's defeats, and they're definitely a weaker side without Alonso - and in that way Rafa is looking as bad as Wenger, but he's always been useless at admitting his flaws...but anyway, I digress as always - I think Liverpool still have a chance at this league thing - why? Because losing a few games to good sides is better than drawing with lower teams, if they keep the pressure on sides like Bolton they'll win and be matching Chelsea and United - look at last year, whooped United and the rest of the top 6 and they still fall four points short - meanwhile United give 6 points to the Scousers and top the table - why? Because they didn't draw for 5 months...

Oh yeah...Liverpool to win, that was my roundabout way of agreeing with Lawro

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: ditto

Stoke v Sunderland

Sunderland have improved since last year, they actually have tactics now - but do I expect them to go the Brittania and do anything? Not really, Stoke are still solid at home (and yet they buy Robert Huth??) and should win

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Tottenham v Birmingham

God love Tottenham fans, only ever focus on the short-term - 3 wins and they actually think they're in Europe (when clubs like Sunderland say it it's a joke, the yids are deadly serious) - this will be win number 4, I look forward to United's visit in two weeks (actually I hope United will still have not found their feet)

Lawro: 3-1
Tarquin: 3-0

Wolves v Hull

Hull do always enjoy an away trip, and they don't seem to be the side that collapsed last season, while Wolves have only managed an away win over Wigan so far - oh, I can't call it, could go either way, we need more draws

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Man Utd v Arsenal (1715 KO)

Draw.

Sorry to agree with Lawro - but I do make my mind up before I even look at his predictions (I use 'I know the Score' first)

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1

SUNDAY

Portsmouth v Man City

Who exactly will be scoring for Pompey? Tommy Smith? Another Championship striker (seriously, go buy him now, he'll get a hat-trick!) meanwhile they sell their best defender to Everton and they have a worse line-up than Burnley, who at least have a balanced team unit. The jury is still out on City, but they've shown that having enough big names on the pitch provides chances, and I doubt if Pompey will be the team to really test them

Verdict: 1-2
Tarquin: 0-2

Everton v Wigan

Surely this must be Everton's first win? - Moyes must have kicked them up the arse by now, and Lescott is now gone, it's clean break time and Wigan at home is perfect, Wigan started brightly against Villa but have since dipped - perhaps we will see if Martinez only likes it on the road.

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin 1-0

Aston Villa v Fulham (1600 KO)

Villa pulled off a stunner against Liverpool and showed the class they are capable of - their problem is going to be doing it regularly, well at least Europe is over with for them - on the one hand they were at home and won, while Fulham went away and lost (and yet Villa get knocked out, Fulham go through...freaky) so they'll be slightly fresher, but possibly on a downer

It could be a lethal performance or it could be tepid, Villa aren't usually great at home so I'll stick to a 1-0 victory over a tired Fulham

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0

Well that was fun - Lawro and I only really disagreed on two games, so if Stoke win and Wolves don't I'm happy - it's just a question of who lucks out with perfect scores

Post your own entries at the bottom...

'Celtic boss uncritical of referee'

2009-08-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

It's really come to something when that makes a headline in football

Next up: 'Ferguson doesn't have rant at referee/players/officials/manchester city/god'

Beat Lawro 22/8/09 Results

2009-08-25T06:15:00.000-07:00

Standings:
Lawro 6, 1 perfect -1.5pts
Tarquin 8, 2 perfect 4 points

Arsenal v Portsmouth

Lawro 2-0
Tarquin 3-0
Actual: 4-1

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1.5

Birmingham v Stoke

Lawro 1-1
Tarquin 1-0
Actual: 0-0

Lawro 2, Tarquin -1

Hull v Bolton

Lawro 1-0
Tarquin 1-1
Actual: 1-0

Lawro 3, Tarquin -1

City v Wolves

Lawro 2-0
Tarquin 3-0
Actual 1-0

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1

Sunderland v Blackburn

Lawro 2-1
Tarquin 1-0
Actual 2-1

Lawro 3, Tarquin 1

Wigan v United

Lawro 0-2
Tarquin 0-2
Actual 0-5

Lawro 1, Tarquin 1

West Ham v Tottenham (Sunday)

Lawro 1-1
Tarquin 1-2
Actual 1-2

Lawro -1, Tarquin 3

Burnley v Everton

Lawro 0-2
Tarquin 0-1
Actual 1-0

Lawro -1, Tarquin -1

Fulham v Chelsea

Lawro 1-2
Tarquin 1-1
Actual 0-2

Lawro 1, Tarquin -1

Liverpool v Villa (monday)

Lawro 2-0
Tarquin 3-1
Actual 1-3

Lawro -1, Tarquin -1

Tarquin got a measly 5 right, One perfect score = 2.5
Lawro got 7 right, Two perfect scores = 9

New Standings:

Lawro 14, 3 perfect - 7.5 pts
Tarquin 13, 3 perfect - 6.5 pts

*Out of 26 played

Beat Lawro 22/8/09

2009-08-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

Current Standings:
Lawro 6, 1 perfect -1.5pts
Tarquin 8, 2 perfect 4 points

Arsenal v Portsmouth

Lawro 2-0
Tarquin 3-0

Surely Portsmouth are just whipping boys right now?

Birmingham v Stoke

Lawro 1-1
Tarquin 1-0

I don't expect Stoke to travel any better this year than last, but this should be a pretty tough affair between two physical sides

Hull v Bolton

Lawro 1-0
Tarquin 1-1

Will Hull finally come good at home? I doubt it, they might scrape past Bolton bt as they haven't won there in nearly a year (and that was Middlesboro) I'll plump for a draw (no draws out of 16 games yet would indicate we're due for a few)

City v Wolves

Lawro 2-0
Tarquin 3-0

City, they may not be regarded as world beaters just yet but I don't expect them to lose form for at least a month or two, I can't see Wolves getting anything here, especially as they're coming off a mid-week game and City have had a week to themselves

Sunderland v Blackburn

Lawro 2-1
Tarquin 1-0

Sticking my neck out here - I'm partly hoping Bent won't get a third goal out of three because I have yet to buy him (the various midfields needed sorting) so I'll go for a wretched display ending in a low scoring home win

Wigan v United

Lawro 0-2
Tarquin 0-2

So, United were beaten by Burnley - they did that by their goalkeeper pulling out a Jesus display and saving a penalty - fair credit to the boys, they did great, but United were still a big threat, and you would expect that out of two away games they'll come good in at least one

United did show some weakness, it's clear that the absense of match-winner Ronaldo has seriously damaged them, and Rooney alone cannot provide all the world-class talent, which is why I don't think they'll be winning the league considering how close Chelsea and Liverpool ran them last year, and they tend to start slowly, but I think they'll respond and hammer out a win at the JJB (or DW?).

West Ham v Tottenham (Sunday)

Lawro 1-1
Tarquin 1-2

London derby, Harry at Upton Park...all those important, completely superstitious things that make this sort of game interesting make it impossible to predict - I would favour a Spurs win

Burnley v Everton

Lawro 0-2
Tarquin 0-1

'Can Burnley hold off the long ball into Tim Cahill?' is the question here - Everton have quite a few problems with Arteta already out, Lescott not being adequately replaced, and less-than-spectacular forwards (I give Saha 11 days) - and the 4-0 scoreline on Thursday was quite flattering - but nevertheless, Moyes will look at how to break down Burnley and should get the win

Fulham v Chelsea

Lawro 1-2
Tarquin 1-1

Can Fulham throw the obligatory spanner in the works? I hope so, Chelsea have come from behind twice in the past week, but Fulham will be the biggest test yet - Chelsea clearly have it in them and came out in the second half against Sunderland a rejuvenated side, a sure sign Ancelotti's doing a good job - Fulham need to ensure they give no quarter to them, and they need to hope Chelsea don't get too much luck

Liverpool v Villa (monday)

Lawro 2-0
Tarquin 3-1

Difficult one, Liverpool may have torn Stoke to shreds, and it's very good that they've begun doing that in 'easy' home games that they frequently used to draw (last year the same game was 0-0) but Villa are a different kettle of fish altogether - based on the Villa we've seen so far Liverpool should be able to knock it around comfortably, but beware the famous counter-attack, Liverpool's defence isn't *that* brilliant (incidentally this was 5-0 last year)

Beat Lawro 18/8/09 Results

2009-08-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Sunderland v Chelsea

Lawro 1-1
Tarquin 0-1
Actual: 1-3

=1 point to Tarquin, -1 for Lawro

Wigan v Wolves

Lawro 2-1
Tarquin 2-0
Actual 0-1

=-1 point to Tarquin, -1 for Lawro

Birmingham v Portsmouth

Lawro 2-1
Tarquin 2-0
Actual 1-0

Nuts - Lawro predicts Pompey will actually score a goal and he gets rewarded for it!

=1 point to Tarquin, 1.5 for Lawro

Burnley v Manchester United

Lawro 0-2
Tarquin 0-1
Actual: 1-0

Hands up who saw that one coming? Shut up, Burnley fans

=-1 point to Tarquin, -1 for Lawro

Hull v Tottenham

Lawro 1-1
Tarquin 1-2
Actual: 1-5

=1 point to Tarquin, -1 for Lawro

Liverpool v Stoke

Lawro 2-0
Tarquin 3-0
Actual: 4-0

I told you! Every bloody time I'm one goal out!!

=1 point to Tarquin, 1 for Lawro

Lawro got two right
Tarquin got four right!

And so without further adieu, the results: 2 points for me, -1.5 for Lawro

Meaning that overall:
Tarquin moves to 4pts
Lawro slips down to -1.5pts

Overall the league as it stands is

Tarquin, 8 right, 2 perfect scores
Lawro 6 right, one perfect score

*after 16 games played

Think I might be winning slightly...

More Beat Lawro tomorrow!

Beat Lawro 18/8/09

2009-08-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

Mid-week fixtures, let's go:

Sunderland v Chelsea

Lawro 1-1
Tarquin 0-1

Sunderland were bright against Bolton, and Chelsea just scraped past Hull and wasted chances - could go either way, but I think the individual quality in Chelsea should shine through

Wigan v Wolves

Lawro 2-1
Tarquin 2-0

Martinez's side put Villa to the sword on Saturday and I expect the same at home against Wolves

Birmingham v Portsmouth

Lawro 2-1
Tarquin 2-0

Portsmouth aren't quite Derby level yet and they could do something here, but Birmingham are too solid and organised I think to find them a threat

Burnley v Manchester United

Lawro 0-2
Tarquin 0-1

Smart money has to be on United, even if they weren't that impressive against Birmingham - Ronaldo would be a killer here, but they still have enough quality to deal with Burnley, who are pretty one-dimensional

Hull v Tottenham

Lawro 1-1
Tarquin 1-2

Two of the most unpredictable sides, how will Spurs travel? How will Hull be at home? I have no idea, Hull looked pretty solid against Chelsea, and Spurs are good at creating, so it could go either way

Liverpool v Stoke

Lawro 2-0
Tarquin 3-0

They may have already been written off but surely they can defeat Stoke at home? Going to White Hart Lane is an altogether tougher experience, I would think Gerrard or Torres could carve something out of this

Beating Lawro...with a stick

2009-08-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

Results

Chelsea - Hull 2-1

Villa - Wigan 0-2

Blackburn - City 0-2

Bolton - Sunderland 0-1

Portsmouth - Fulham 0-1

Stoke - Burnley 2-0

Wolves - West Ham 0-2

Everton - Arsenal 1-6

United - Birmingham 1-0

Tottenham - Liverpool 2-1

Lawro got 4 right, one perfect score = zero points
Tarquin got 4 right, two perfect scores = 2 points

Not a very good week - but it's the first one, and with 6 away wins I'd dare say four is fine