Newcastle has some very wealthy new owners. But will this change affect their results?
Mark Lawrenson, a former Liverpool defender and expert on football, says that "I know there'll be a wave of joy at St James Park when Tottenham play Tottenham on Sunday."
"But, for the moment, it's just a matter of watching this space with Newcastle. They have the same players as before the international break and the same manager.
Lawro will be making predictions against a range of guests for all 380 top flight matches this season.
This week's guest actor is Tom Hughes. His new film Shepherd had its world premiere on Thursday at the BFI London Film Festival.
Hughes portrays Eric Black in Shepherd. It is available in the UK on December 12, 2018.
Hughes, who also appeared in Red Joan, Victoria and BBC drama The Game is a Manchester United fan who stands behind manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Hughes stated that he believes in God and is still a believer to BBC Sport.
"Ole has been criticized for his tactics at times but it's player mistakes that have cost him, like the one he suffered during the Young Boys defeat last month.
He is still my favorite. He is a good friend and has brought back the joy of watching United.
"It's the first occasion since Sir Alex Ferguson was in control that we have had a team I enjoy supporting. That's what I love about football. It's the romance. I just want to enjoy the game and support my team.
"Obviously, you want to win but I also love the ceremony of it. It's part and parcel of United. Jose Mourinho's football was terrible, as were Louis van Gaal and David Moyes. It was so labored that it is nice to watch a football team I enjoy watching.
"Then, add a little spice with Cristiano Ronaldo to it and it's exciting.
United could have fireworks, but you never know what the future holds. That is exactly how it should be. It's one of those clubs that should have a little magic or stardust. They are what made me fall in Love with me, and it's wonderful that they have that back.
Hughes was unsure whether to follow his father (an Everton fan), or his brother (both Liverpool fans) when he decided which team to support. He chose his own path. "I can remember watching the 1995 FA Cup Final with my dad. I thought, 'Look at this team. The plucky underdogs who have just lost their league on the final day and now have lost the FA Cup final. They are my friends so I will support them. Then, everything was ours. It was the best decision I have ever made."
Premier League predictions – week 8 Result Lawro Thomas SATURDAY Watford v Liverpool x-2 2-1 Aston Villa v Wolves x-1 2-1 Leicester v Man Utd x-1 1-3 Man City v Burnley x-3 0-7 Norwich v Brighton x-1-1 0-2 Southampton v Leeds x-2 0-2 Brentford v Chelsea x-2 0-2 1-1 SUNDAY Everton v West Ham x-2 1-2 MONDAY Crystal Palace x 2-0 1-2
The correct result is worth 10 points. 40 points are awarded for a correct score.
LAWRO'S PREDICTIONS
If not stated otherwise, games start at 15:00 BST
SATURDAY
Watford v Liverpool (12:30 BST)
Claudio Ranieri, welcome back to the Premier League. Although he had to adjust to Watford for a few days, he is ready to start this big game.
Liverpool is speculating on whether Alisson and Fabinho, a Brazilian duo, will return from South American duty in time to play Vicarage Road. If so, what state will they be in.
If Alisson is in the country, I would play him. He might feel tired from traveling but his stamina as a goalkeeper is not going to be an issue.
Liverpool is the Premier League's only unbeaten team. The rest of the top six teams have been beaten once.
This game will primarily be about Liverpool's ability to defeat Watford. Ranieri will make Watford very difficult to defeat, rather than worrying about how to win.
Ranieri has said that he would take Watford players out to dinner if they keep clean sheets. But I doubt he will just buy them pizza as he did with Leicester.
Lawro's prediction for Lawro: 0-2
Tom's prediction Watford is my favourite team, and I'm a United fan as well. 2-1
Aston Villa v Wolves
Wolves were just starting to pick up a bit before the international break, but Aston Villa has impressed me more so far.
These are the games that I was unsure what I would get from Villa last season. However, I believe they are much more reliable now.
Although it will be close, Dean Smith's home advantage will make the difference.
Lawro's prediction for 2-1
Tom's prediction 1-1
Leicester v Man Utd
Manchester United is without Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Harry Maguire as their first-choice centre backs. However, it's not a crisis since Victor Lindelof (and Eric Bailly) have been brought in.
Fred and Scott McTominay will likely be paired in midfield again to provide United with more defensive cover. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will pick a team that will not allow for a wild attacking display.
Leicester are facing their own problems, with Jonny Evans doubtful and Wesley Fofana out, but they have Jamie Vardy scoring again, even though they aren't winning.
The Foxes are always in the game with Vardy's form and I believe they will win this one.
Lawro's prediction is 1-1
Tom's prediction 1-3
What was Tom's tactical advice for Solskjaer Tom gave some tactical advice to Sir Alex Ferguson as a boy. He had accidentally spoken to Alex on the phone to his father when he called up the Chester hotel where the team was staying. The receptionist asked for the United manager's contact information to confirm that they were indeed there.
What advice would he offer Solskjaer if he had the chance to speak with him now?
Fergie ignored me because I told Gary Pallister to drop him and Pallister scored twice in the next game," the Shepherd actor stated. "So clearly, Ole shouldn't hear anything I say to him.
"But, I would tell him that Fred McTominay and Scott McTominay cannot continue to play a role in the midfield when there are so many attacking players. We are likely to be short of a Declan Rice or N'Golo Kane player, so I don't know the answer.
"We are missing the final piece. I don't know the answer with the players at the moment. Paul Pogba is so mercurial. He is unstoppable when he is on it but can also lose possession in the defensive third of midfield.
McTominay may be the answer. He is often overlooked, but if he can score 35 yards against Manchester City in rain, I believe he can do almost anything."
Man City vs. Burnley
Burnley has lost 5-0 to Etihad Stadium in each of their four previous visits.
City may be without the Brazilian duo Ederson or Gabriel Jesus depending on when they return from South America, but it won't make much difference to the outcome.
Pep Guardiola's team put in a great performance at Anfield and will be able to do the same again. Burnley will continue to wait for their first win of the season.
Lawro's prediction for 3-0
Tom's prediction My dad lived in Burnley for a time. They are his second team, and he is a huge Sean Dyche fan. So I will be going with them. If I'm going with them, it might be a good idea to go big. 0-7
Norwich v Brighton
After their draw at Burnley, Norwich now have a point. This is good news. However, they are still at the bottom and each game is difficult.
Brighton also drew against Arsenal, but they were unlucky to not win that one.
The Seagulls have collected seven points so far from their three away trips this season. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't leave Carrow Road empty-handed.
Lawro's prediction is 1-1
Tom's prediction: 0-2
Leeds v Southampton
Southampton did well against Chelsea, until James Ward Prowse was sent to the stands.
The most frustrating thing about this decision was that VAR ordered the referee go back and view it again. He was then shown slow motion replays, which I find ridiculous. You can't judge the danger of a tackle if you don’t see it in live time. It's better to slow down any challenge than it is in real time.
Saints suffered another loss, remaining without a win in seven games.
I don't like their chances here either, especially if Kalvin Phillips, the Leeds midfielder, is returning from his calf injury which kept him out of England duty.
Lawro's prediction for Lawro: 0-2
Tom's prediction: Marcelo Bielsa, a wizard, is not Dan James. I feel sorry for Dan James at United. I will go with two goals. 0-2
Brentford v Chelsea (17:30 BST)
This will be the first meeting between these two clubs in west London since 1947. Brentford's ground is sure to rock again for this one. But I prefer Chelsea to keep them quiet on Saturday.
Although the Blues experienced a slight blip towards the end of January, they recovered and are expected to deliver another professional performance this month.
Lawro's prediction for Lawro: 0-2
Tom's prediction 1-1
SUNDAY
Everton v West Ham (14:00 BST)
Although Everton has made an excellent start to the season, they may struggle against West Ham. They won't have the same wide open spaces as they had in their draw with Manchester United.
The Hammers lost to Brentford in the last game, so I expect a reaction. David Moyes will then be back at his old club to help them win.
Lawro's prediction for 1-2
Tom's prediction: Everton look strong right now. 2-1
Newcastle v Tottenham (16.30 BST).
I am constantly reading about the next Newcastle manager, so I feel sorry that Steve Bruce, Magpies boss, has not spoken out.
No matter what the decision on his future is, tell him. Don't leave him hanging. This is not a good situation for him and his players.
Tottenham showed some form in their last match against Aston Villa, but I doubt they can spoil the fun for the Newcastle fans.
Lawro's prediction is 1-1
Tom's prediction: 0-3
MONDAY
Arsenal v Crystal Palace (20:00 BST).
I love the way Crystal Palace has come together under Patrick Vieira. Their pressing style is also very effective.
Vieira is taking his team back to his former club, and this is a significant moment. Although he will be greeted with a warm welcome, Arsenal are on a roll so I believe they will have enough chances to win the match comfortably.
Lawro's prediction for the future: 2-0
Tom's prediction. This is tricky because you never know what Arsenal will turn up. Conor Gallagher is a good choice for Palace. He has a lot of class and great hair. I will take a little surprise here. 1-
Lawro spoke to Chris Bevan, BBC Sport.
How did Lawro do last week?
Lawro scored 110 points with five correct matches and two exact scores in the last set of games played before the international break.
He defeated Michael 'Venom, an MMA fighter, who received three correct results with no exact scores for a total score of 30 points.
+/- DENOTE POINT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAWRO’S TABLE and ACTUAL POSITIONTEAM P W D PTS +/– 1 Man Utd 7 7 3 2 2 11 1 11 1 11 Newcastle 7 3 2 3 3 8 8 +8 =12 Arsenal7 5 2 2 17 +10 =3 Leicester7 5 2 2 15 0 =5 Liverpool7 5 2 15 0 17 0 =5 Liverpool7 5 2 15 0 =5 Liverpool7 5 2 =15 Watford7 0 18 Watford7 2 0 3 018 Crystal Palace7
GUEST LEADERBOARD 2021-22
Score Guest 110 Friction She Drew The Gun (average after seven week) 80 Tom McFarland 50 Aqib Khan Shaun Thomas 40 Dan Haggis Of The Wombats Justin Young 30 Michael "Venom" Page
Scores after week seven Lawro: 610 Guests 460
Lawro v Guests W5 D1L1
