Newcastle United look to move further away from the relegation zone as they welcome top four chasing West Ham to St James’ Park.
Victory will see Newcastle climb to 15th and move nine points clear of relegation, whereas West Ham can go third with a win until Thursday evening because Leicester are on FA Cup duty this weekend.
Team News
Newcastle have no fresh injury concerns to report as Jamaal Lascelles looks ruled out for rest of this season with a foot injury suffered in their last home game, as the Magpies held Tottenham to a 2-2 draw a fortnight ago.
Ryan Fraser (groin), Isaac Hayden and Fabian Schar (both knee) remain absent.
West Ham could be without Aaron Cresswell after the fullback suffered a hamstring injury in last Sunday’s 3-2 home victory over Leicester.
Manuel Lanzini (knock) and Mark Noble (elbow) are also considered doubtful and could be handed late fitness tests along with Cresswell before kick off.
Andriy Yarmolenko (knee) and Darren Randolph (hip) could also be in contention to return to the matchday squad if deemed fully fit, although it is thought that both players won’t be risked.
Angelo Ogbonna (ankle), Michail Antonio (hamstring) and Declan Rice (knee) remain ruled out.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle are unbeaten in three of their last five league meetings against West Ham (W2, D1, L2).
- West Ham have claimed just four points from their last five trips to St James’ Park (W1, D1, L3).
- Two of Newcastle’s last four home goals have come from Jamaal Lascelles.
- West Ham are looking to score three goals in four consecutive Premier League games for the first time, having previously embarked on a three match run in early December 2018.
- Newcastle lost their only previous home game refereed by Kevin Friend this season, losing 3-0 to Brighton in late September.
Prediction
Having put a buffer between themselves and the relegation zone with a spirited comeback win at Burnley last weekend, Newcastle need another win to further distance themselves from the drop because I don’t see them getting any points from their next four matches.
West Ham meanwhile continue to look strong up front with three goals in three consecutive matches, yet they continue to defensively switch off once 3-0 up which will be a worry because Newcastle will certainly be fired up for this clash.
Defending though has been a weak point for both teams and with key players like Allan Saint-Maximin amongst the Magpies fit again, I definitely can see goals coming at both ends so am going to plump for a crazy result.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-2 West Ham
Result: Newcastle United 3-2 West Ham