Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he has not been convinced by Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, but believes that they will beat West Ham United tonight.
The Liverpool legend has backed Leeds to pick up all three points from their Premier League game against West Ham at Elland Road on Friday evening courtesy of a 2-0 win.
The former Republic of Ireland international defender has been impressed by the Whites’ attack, but he is not convinced by their goalkeeper Meslier.
Lawrenson told BBC Sport: “West Ham were unlucky to be beaten by Manchester United last weekend because they could have put that game to bed before the visitors’ comeback.
“That was the end of a good little run of three successive wins for the Hammers, and I’m not sure they will bounce back here.
“Leeds have got a little bit of a soft centre defensively, and I am not convinced by their goalkeeper, Illan Meslier, but going forward they are just relentless.”
Illan Meslier has done well for Leeds United
Meslier has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper at Leeds, and the 20-year-old has done well.
True, the Frenchman conceded eight goals in just two matches prior to the two-week international break last month, but it was largely down to the defence.
Described by former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford as “incredible” on Doing A Leeds podcast earlier this month, Meslier should be happy with how he is doing at the moment.
As for the match tonight, Leeds have shown this season that they are not easy pushovers, and if they score an early goal, then they could ease to all three points against West Ham.
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