Pundit voices concerns over Sheffield United's attacking options ahead of Aston Villa meeting

Writing his weekly - and controversial - predictions column for BBC Sport, the pundit explained: “This fixture was the first game to be played when last season restarted in June, when Sheffield United scored but the goal-line technology missed it.

“I just get the feeling the Blades might find it difficult to put the ball in the net in the first place this time around - I am really not sure where their goals are going to come from.”

Lawro believes Villa, boosted by Jack Grealish’s new contract, will claim a 1-0 victory.

He added “Aston Villa, meanwhile, will be buoyed by Jack Grealish signing his new contract. Now he really needs to kick on and put a string of big performances together, because they need him to.

“The signings of Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins will be a boost for Villa too - Dean Smith knows all about Watkins because he signed him for Brentford from Exeter in 2017 - and I think they will start their season with a win.”

However, Lawro’s rival for the weekend, singer and Manchester United fan Raye, has gone for a 1-0 win in favour of the Blades.

“This is second-season syndrome for Sheffield United - how do they follow up what they did last year?” she said.

“It's a bit like your second album. Do you do more of the same or go in a different direction? If it comes off, it's like you have solidified your place.”