Newcastle United will host West Ham United in this crucial game between two former European campaigners
The two teams recently featured on the continental stage but they have not been able to return this term. The Magpies dipped last term under Ediie Howe but they are slowly working their way back this season, while the Hammers are still getting used to life under a new manager.
As of the time of writing, the Magpies are 7th on the log with 12 points to their name, while the Hammers are ranked 12th with just 8 points after seven games played. Newcastle have been strong at home in recent seasons, while the Hammers have been surprisingly decent on their travels.
Just like last season, Newcastle United have been battling injuries with some players out until the new year. Club captain Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman are those players not expected to feature this year due to anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Up front, Callum Wilson and Aleksander Isak have battled minor injuries, leaving Howe with no other option than to start Anthony Gordon as his striker in some games. The manager will hope his strikers can be fit so that they can get back to Europe at the end of the season.
Before the season started, Newcastle United made some tidy signings immediately after the transfer window became open. Lewis Hall made his initial loan move from Chelsea permanent for a fee worth up to £33m. Defender LLyod Kelly joined the club on a free transfer from Bournemouth, similarly, veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy makes a return to the Premier League from Birmingham City. In terms of the exits, midfielder Elliot Anderson left for fellow Premier League club Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £35m, while players Matt Ritchie, Lloris Karius, Paul Dummett, and Jeff Hendrick were released from the club.
The Magpies have had some decent results like the win over Spurs at home as well as the draw against Manchester City. Meanwhile, the shocking defeat at Fulham tested their readiness to compete for a top-four place. Regardless, they will be relying on their strong home form in this fixture.
On the other hand, West Ham United are keen to make an impression after a poor start to the season. Lopetegui’s side have been expansive in their play but results have eluded them. They have already lost to Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Chelsea in the Premier League this season, and here is a chance for them to redeem themselves. One thing that could help them is their current unbeaten run on the road (W1 D2) as of the time of writing this piece.
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui on his side’s poor form back in late September: “We know we have to improve. We are sure that the Premier League is going to be long for all of us and I’m sure these players are going to overcome, to be better, and to improve – I’m sure about this.
Since the statement above, the Hammers have taken four points from a possible six. However, Newcastle won this home Premier League clash between the two teams last season, so they naturally start this fixture as the one with the home advantage. In addition, the Magpies have won three of the past four PL meetings between the two teams they have hosted.
Newcastle United v West Ham’s head-to-head record shows that in the 49 meetings they’ve had since 1996, Newcastle have won just 21 times and West Ham have won 14 times. 14 fixtures ended in a draw.
Match tickets
The epic match at St James’s Park in Newcastle kicks off on Monday, 25th of November 2024 at 20:00 GMT.
The 52,305-capacity stadium will host this clash between two teams with strong ambitions in the Premier League this season.
Getting Newcastle v West Ham tickets could take a lot of work given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.
Team news
Line-ups
Newcastle have players ruled out until the new year – Sven Botman (knee) and club captain Jamaal Lascelles (knee). Lewis Miley (Ankle/Foot Injury) and Matt Targett (Calf/Shin/Heel Injury) could also visit West Ham As expected, those with minor injuries are expected back before this clash. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe still has a decent squad to call upon for this encounter.
Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Schär, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Murphy, Isak, Gordon
As of the time of writing, Niclas Fullkrug remains the only major absentee from the side. Areola should remain in goal, Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Paqueta all lining up in midfield for the Hammers.
West Ham United XI: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson, Rodriguez, Soucek, Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus, Antonio.
Prediction
Newcastle will look to press heavily from the front and push their opponents back with sharply direct football when the ball is won.
Meanwhile, in recent games, West Ham have shown their ability to get things done, while in some other games, they have struggled to play as a team. This is the sort of game they need to prove themselves and they might just do that in this Monday night clash.
We expect a hotly contested encounter with the game ending in a draw.
Newcastle United 2-2 West Ham United