Mark Lawrenson thinks Middlesbrough and West Ham United will draw 1-1 this afternoon.
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Middlesbrough and West Ham United will play out a 1-1 draw at the Riverside Stadium this afternoon.
Boro head into the game having failed to win any of their last four games, and are coming off the back of a 0-0 draw away at Watford last weekend.
Aitor Karanka’s men have been superb defensively this term, but have struggled going forward, finding the net just one in the four-game winless run they’re currently on.
Middlesbrough’s Christian Stuani celebrates scoring against West Ham with team-mates
Manager Karanka has now attempted to rectify the situation by signing strikers Rudy Gestede and Patrick Bamford, who will now offer competition for leading striker Alvaro Negredo.
Meanwhile, opponents West Ham enjoyed a much-needed 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, with the Hammers putting Dimitri Payet’s attempts to leave the club behind them in a convincing performance.
Mark Lawrenson
Payet is still trying to leave the club, and will once again be left on the sidelines by manager Slaven Bilic, who made his first signing of the January transfer window on Friday by landing defender Jose Fonte from Southampton.
Middlesbrough will be keen on a win to pull themselves even further clear of the relegation zone, whilst West Ham know that three points could propel them into the top half of the Premier League table.
Ahead of today’s clash between the two sides, pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks the game will end in a 1-1 draw; a result that would please both sides as they look to keep things ticking over.
“Middlesbrough have bolstered their attacking options by signing Patrick Bamford,” said Lawrenson. “They are in more danger of being dragged into the relegation dog-fight than West Ham, but both clubs have a bit of breathing space over the bottom four. A point would probably suit them and the Hammers because it will keep them ticking over.”
“Even if West Ham lose Dimitri Payet, as looks likely now they are saying he can leave for the right price, I think they will be fine,” he added.
What’s your prediction for Middlesbrough v West Ham United?
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