Newcastle United entertain West Ham at St James’ Park in a tasty Premier League encounter.
Victory will lift Newcastle up to sixth in the table, whilst West Ham will stay 14th regardless of the result unless win by six goals or more to go 13th.
Team News
Dan Burn is suspended for Newcastle following his fifth booking in their comeback win at Nottingham Forest.
Callum Wilson (back) and Kieran Trippier (hamstring) could return but Emil Krafth (shoulder) is ruled out.
Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles (both knee) remain absent.
West Ham will welcome Edson Alvarez back from suspension after he missed their goalless draw at home to Everton.
Mohammed Kudus (suspension) and Niclas Fullkrug (calf) remain ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Newcastle host West Ham at St James’ Park on Monday 25 November at 8pm GMT, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle have lost one of their last 10 meetings against West Ham (W5, D4, L1).
- West Ham (W1, D2, L2).
- Newcastle’s Alexander Isak scored four goals in two appearances against West Ham last season (W1, D1).
- Isak has scored in each of Newcastle’s last four games in all competitions (W3, L1).
- With 12 points from their first 11 league games this season West Ham are only two points worse off than at this stage last season when they had 14 points.
Prediction
Following various results this weekend, Newcastle have a huge opportunity to go within two points of second-placed Manchester City but they need to continue their improving momentum and be as clinical as they were at Forest albeit more consistent.
West Ham meanwhile aren’t actually doing too bad if compare to this time last season but consistency and identity don’t seem there, which is a issue coming up against a team who are clear in their approach and disgruntled fans won’t help.
Julen Lopetegui’s Hammers also are starting a must-win period of games if want to avoid a relegation fight, but I just can’t see them getting a result here if Newcastle are on top form.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 West Ham
Result: Newcastle 0-2 West Ham