Prediction: Newcastle vs West Ham

Verdict: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to make a crucial return to winning ways on Saturday lunchtime, Newcastle will welcome West Ham to St. James’ Park.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, although Newcastle might have made real history last season as they secured a Champions League ticket, it is no secret that Eddie Howe has found mounting pressure on his shoulders. Last seen heading into November’s international break with a 2-0 loss at the hands of Manchester City while in FA Cup action, the Magpies face a major uphill battle in their bid to clinch another European finish in 2024. Marking their return holding just a one-point buffer from dropping out the top-half, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad collect just a single point from any of their previous five showdowns against Premier League opposition. Gaining a recent reputation for their defensive issues, Newcastle know the importance of claiming a crucial top-flight boost at St. James’ Park.

Team News

In what is a massive blow for Newcastle, Howe’s side have confirmed that defensive talisman Sven Botman will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery. Suffering a recent hamstring injury prior to March’s international break, former Leicester star Harvey Barnes remains a real doubt on Saturday lunchtime.

Likewise, Newcastle have confirmed that England international Callum Wilson remains on the sidelines until the end of May. Featuring for Sweden during March’s international break and already notching 12 Premier League goals this season, Alexander Isak will spearhead Howe’s charge at St. James’ Park.

West Ham

As for the visitors, punching a Europa League quarter-final ticket earlier in the month as they secured a 5-1 romp against German outfit Freiburg, West Ham have their sights set on securing another top-six finish come May. However, forced to settle for a hugely controversial 1-1 stalemate against Aston Villa prior to March’s international break, David Moyes’ men have struggled to find much stability since opening the New Year. In fact, the Hammers have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous 10 Premier League appearances. Facing what should be a stern challenge when they arrive at St. James’ Park this weekend, the one-time Manchester United boss will have a real headache over his side’s extended issues on the road. It should be highlighted, West Ham have lost three of their last four contests away from the London Stadium.

Team News

In what looks set to be a major blow for West Ham this weekend, midfield talisman Edson Alvarez will miss out here as the Mexican international starts a two-match suspension. Likewise, missing Ghana’s defeat against Nigeria last week with a recent shoulder injury, the Hammers are sweating over the fitness of Mohamed Kudus on Saturday lunchtime.

Continuing to shine this season and already notching 14 Premier League goals, attacking ace Jarrod Bowen will spearhead West Ham’s charge at St. James’ Park. Struggling to find any kind of stability since completing a January move from Manchester City, Kalvin Phillips will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Newcastle and West Ham met for their reverse Premier League meeting on October 8th, Saturday’s opponents played out a 2-2 stalemate.
• The Magpies have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous five contests against Premier League opposition.
• West Ham have won just a pair of their previous 10 Premier League appearances.
• Likewise, the Hammers have lost three of their last four away fixtures across all competitions.
• All of Newcastle’s last seven showdowns at St. James’ Park have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Heading into March’s international break with just a single win from any of their final five meetings against Premier League opposition, Newcastle know the importance of claiming a boost here. Although Howe’s side might have struggled to find much stability this season, they should be smelling a potential opportunity on Saturday lunchtime. With West Ham losing three of their previous four contests away from the Lindon Stadium, we are backing a home victory this weekend.

Verdict: Newcastle win 

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Luckster