Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson expects an “open” game when Newcastle travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday and reiterated the importance of the fixture to both managers.

The Magpies make the outing to south London on the back of a horrendous 3-0 defeat at home to high-flying Leicester, while the Eagles were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland last time out.

The Premier League fixture is hugely significant to both managers, with Alan Pardew facing his former club and Steve McClaren desperate for a response.

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Lawrenson, who made over 200 appearances for the Reds, told BBC Sport: “This is a big game for Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew against his former club, but probably an even bigger one for Newcastle manager Steve McClaren.

“I thought the Magpies would build on their win at Bournmeouth when they played Leicester but they ended up being taken apart.

“Palace will be expecting to win but then they expected to beat Sunderland on Monday night too, and they did not create many opportunities in that game.

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“In fairness to the Black Cats, they got what they came for which was a clean sheet and a win, but Newcastle cannot play like that so this game will be more open.”

The former Republic of Ireland international has predicted a 1-1 draw while NBA star Luol Deng, who grew up in south London, has tipped up a 2-0 home win.

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