Premier League preview: Newcastle v West Ham

Newcastle host a rejuvenated West Ham at St James’ Park on Wednesday, with neither side out of the relegation picture despite recent wins.

Alan Pardew’s Newcastle side accounted for relegation candidates Wigan 1-0 at the DW Stadium on Saturday, while West Ham resigned Wolves to the bottom of the league table with a 2-0 victory.

But neither club is safe from the clutches of the drop zone, with Newcastle only six points clear, and West Ham just one point ahead of 18th spot in what is a tight Premier League table.

Avram Grant’s West Ham have finally found form this season, stringing together four straight games unbeaten, two of which were wins.

Hammers captain Scott Parker has played a key role in the mid-season revival, and the influential midfielder was eager to praise his side’s strength of character.

“Everyone has pulled together. We have all dug in even though it has been difficult at times. We have picked up some results and we are looking upwards now,” he said.

“Saturday was a vital win. We can be really happy over the Christmas and New Year period to have picked up eight points from four games.”

England international Andy Carroll missed the trip to Wigan with a thigh complaint, and remains in severe doubt to return on Wednesday.

His absence would be a huge blow for Pardew given the 21-year-old has netted 11 goals this season, including the winner at Upton Park earlier in the campaign.

However, striker Shola Ameobi, coupled with the constant attacking menace of captain Kevin Nolan, provide Pardew with the firepower to unravel a West Ham defence that has not kept a clean sheet away from home in 18 league trips.