Prediction: Newcastle vs West Ham

Verdict: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 6/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to make it three Premier League victories on the bounce, Newcastle will welcome West Ham to St. James’ Park on Monday night.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have signed off October in the midst of a blip, Eddie Howe’s side came roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Last seen heading into November’s international break with a stellar 3-1 romp away at Nottingham Forest, the former Bournemouth boss finds his squad sat within touching distance of breaking into the Champions League spots. Extending on their EFL Cup adventure last month as they clinched a 2-0 win at home against Chelsea, the mood around St. James’ Park appears to be at a real high. Springing what was a heavyweight upset on November 2nd as they claimed a 1-0 win against Arsenal, Newcastle should be smelling another golden opportunity when they return from the fortnight interval on Monday night.

Team News

While Sven Botman might be inching towards a first Premier League appearance of the season, the Dutch defender will once again miss out here. However, Howe’s side are hopeful that former Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson will be able to return to Newcastle’s squad on Monday night.

Finding the net while away with Sweden last week and now recording five goals in his previous six appearances for club and country, the ex-Real Sociedad striker will lead the line. Former Brighton defender Dan Burn will serve a one-match suspension.

West Ham

As for the visitors, while West Ham might have only appointed Julen Lopetegui over the summer, the former Wolves boss has a tremendous amount of pressure on his shoulders. Marking their return from November’s international break looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, the Hammers have continued to show a string of glaring issues so far this season. Forced to settle for an uninspiring 0-0 stalemate at home against Everton last time out, Monday’s guests have won just a trio of their first 11 Premier League appearances. Opening November with a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Nottingham Forest, West Ham should have another stern challenge on their hands here. Hit with an action-packed 4-3 loss when they last travelled to St. James’ Park on March 30th, Lopetegui’s side are pencilled in as a landslide underdog.

Team News

Dealing with what has been a nightmare start to life in east London, West Ham will once again be without Germany international Niclas Fullkrug remains on the sidelines. Likewise, attacking talisman Mohamed Salah will once again miss out on Monday night through suspension.

Bagging a maiden international strike for England at Wembley last weekend, Jarrod Bowen will shoulder most of the Hammers’ goalscoring threat. Appearing to have recently cemented his spot as Lopetegui’s number one, Lukasz Fabianski should start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Newcastle and West Ham last met at St, James’ Park on March 30th, the Magpies collected an action-packed 4-3 win.
• Newcastle are unbeaten in all of their previous five Premier League meetings against Monday’s guests.
• The Magpies have won each of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 6-1.
• West Ham have recorded just three wins from any of their first 11 Premier League appearances this season.
• The Hammers have collected just a single Premier League victory at St. James’ Park since back in December 2018.

Conclusion

Heading into November’s international break in the midst of a real purple patch, Newcastle will be looking to make another statement here. Sat within striking distance of finding a route into the Champions League spots, Howe’s side should be smelling another golden opportunity on Monday night. Winning each of their last three showdowns against Premier League opposition by an aggregate score of 6-1, Newcastle will be confident of cashing in on a struggling West Ham squad. Landing an action-packed 4-3 victory when they welcomed the Hammers to St. James’ Park back on March 30th, they are also unbeaten in all of their last five Premier League showdowns against Monday’s guests.

Verdict: Newcastle win 

Best Odds: 6/11

Bookmaker: Luckster