Why Mark Lawrenson has backed Burnley to BEAT Crystal Palace this weekend

Writing in his weekly predictions column for BBC Sport, pundit Mark Lawrenson backed a 2-0 win for Sean Dyche's side.

Justifying his prediction, the ex-Liverpool defender claimed: "Like Sheffield United, Burnley have made an awful start to the season. Again, I don't think they are as bad as their results suggest and a first league victory of the campaign is not far away."

"Palace carry more of an attacking threat but this is unlikely to be an open game, full of free-flowing football. It will be a battle, and it is one that the Clarets can win."

Meanwhile, Lawro's sparring partner for the week, Idles bassist Adam Devonshire, picked a 1-1 draw.

Last time the two sides met, back in June, the Clarets secured a 1-0 win on the road thanks to Ben Mee's second-half diving header.