h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Mark Lawrenson's predictions are out!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3897591.stm

Just lay bets on the inverse of what he says, and your money is safe for another year.

B

So Palace, Canaries or West Brom for the league then!

Well, I wouldn't take it that far.

It's amazing what professional footballers will conspire to do to prove Lawro wrong, but I'll certainly be laying bets on West Brom to stay up.

B

West Brom to stay up? What, even with their sudden and recent striker shortage

Well, by my reckoning, they still have four more.

B

Unfortunately they still have Gary Megson as well.

Good! It's nice to have someone amusing on MOTD interviews.

B

Is it me or did Lawro look like a one of them little scottie dogs when he had a tash, my mate and i thought the resemblance was uncanny.

I think West Brom will stay up. Norwich, Palace and Everton to go down, Rooney's class but he can't save them I'm afraid he's no Maradona and the players around him are mediocre at best.

Who for the top four?

I am apparently alone in thinking Palace have a good chance.

Norwich, Everton and Portsmouth are my tips for the drop. Juninho couldn't save Boro; Rooney won't save the Toffees.

My top four has to be different to Lawro's. I'll go Chelsea, Arsenal, MU, Tottenham.

B

No, I'm with you on the Palace issue.

Iain Dowie worked two miracles last season - firstly in keeping Oldham Athletic stable and in Division Two when they had less than chuff-all and half their playing staff were doing a runner because they hadn't been paid, and then in taking Palace from the relegation battle to the Premiership via the play-offs. In both cases without spending anything on players. You've got to take your hat off to the guy.

Also, they've got a damn solid defence. Something which Portsmouth, Everton, Man City are all lacking.

B

That solid defense leaked 3 against Coventry - I think they'll be torn apart by skilful sides.

My relegation fodder are WBA - probably by Christmas - Crystal Palace, and either Everton or Portsmouth, probably the latter.

Top 3 Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea. (Still convinced that old misery has lost the plot.)