Mark Lawrenson has now predicted the score as Manchester United take on Newcastle United at Old Trafford

Mark Lawrenson used to be the BBC's score predictor before Chris Sutton took over the job, but the former Newcastle United defensive coach has continued to give his predictions elsewhere.

Lawrenson is now deploying his psychic powers for Paddy Power where he has given his view on tonight's fixture between Newcastle and Man United.

Our usual go-to for score predictions, Paul Merson seems to be having the festive period off, so we'll have a look at what Lawro has said instead.

Clearly, he's a very busy man as his write-ups are shorter than Angel Gomes.

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Mark Lawrenson can't divide the sides tonight

Lawrenson can't pick a winner tonight which seems odd given the contrasting fortunes of the two sides recently, and indeed, the fact that Man United have several key players missing.

"Bruno Fernandes is suspended for Manchester United which will hurt them. Newcastle had that gift against Villa but this might be a bit of a stalemate. Manchester United 1-1 Newcastle."

We assume the 'gift' he's referring to is Jhon Duran's red card because that 3-0 win certainly wasn't a gift, that was well deserved. The gift was for Villa in that we only scored three.

I may have jinxed us here but...

I'm still scared of being too positive here and predicting a Newcastle win because it almost always backfires, but I just have a good feeling about tonight.

Obviously, I'm aware that Old Trafford is the Theatre of Nightmares for Newcastle in the Premier League, but no streak can last forever, and we did batter them there in the Carabao Cup last season.

Whatever happens, I'm not sure I see it being a 1-1 draw. If the points are shared there'll either be no goals or many. Perhaps a 3-3.