West Ham vs Newcastle: Wilson Return Adds Extra Edge To Relegation Scrap
The big talking points for Newcastle vs West Ham centre around VAR and the returning Callum Wilson. The Hammers striker signed on a free transfer from the Magpies in the summer and has already promised not to celebrate ‘when he scores’ against his former club. That’s absolutely fine with me — quite frankly he can kiss the Toon badge and start swigging down Newcastle Brown Ale for all I care if he scores the winner.
West Ham need to win, Newcastle don’t, but it will still be a very tricky game with Eddie Howe looking increasingly unsafe in his job at the moment. It’s been an underwhelming season at St James’ Park but they are unbeaten in their last two games and remain dangerous, particularly at home.
The Hammers head to Tyneside knowing a positive result is absolutely vital to our hopes of survival. West Ham kick off 18th in the table, two points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who also boast a significantly better goal difference. Put simply, this is close to must-win territory for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
And after the fury surrounding the disallowed goal against Arsenal, there should be no shortage of motivation inside the away dressing room. West Ham will feel hard done by and there’s every chance that frustration spills into an aggressive, high-energy performance under the lights at St James’ Park.
Callum Wilson Returns To Newcastle
All eyes will naturally fall on Callum Wilson returning to face his former club for the first time since leaving Newcastle in the summer. The striker has already tried to calm tensions by insisting he won’t celebrate if he scores.
That’s all well and good, but if Wilson bags a late winner which drags West Ham out of the relegation zone, I doubt any travelling Hammers fan will care too much what celebration follows.
The experienced forward has added much-needed clinical element West Ham’s attack and could be crucial in a pressure game where chances may be limited. That said, Nuno would not be drawn on whether he’d select him from the start.
Team News
Nuno Espírito Santo has had a near fully-fit squad to choose from in recent weeks, with only Adama Traoré expected to miss out.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have several concerns. Lewis Miley, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schär are all unavailable, while Joelinton is a doubt after picking up a thigh issue. Antony Gordon is reportedly fit but expected to miss out amid growing uncertainty surrounding his future at St James’ Park.
Predicted West Ham XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Hermansen |
| RB | Wan-Bissaka |
| CB | Mavropanos |
| CB | Disasi |
| LB | Diouf |
| CM | Souček |
| CM | Fernandes |
| LW | Summerville |
| RW | Bowen |
| CF | Castellanos |
| CF | Pablo |
I suspect Nuno switches back to a back four for this one, particularly away from home where West Ham need more attacking intent. Fernandes and Souček should give enough physicality in midfield while Bowen and Summerville carry the threat out wide.
Prediction
No doubt Nuno and the players will still be seething from the goal that never was against Arsenal. West Ham should want this more and have far more riding on the result.
It won’t be easy because Newcastle away rarely is, but if Dinos Mavropanos produces another defensive masterclass and Jarrod Bowen rediscovers his finishing touch, I fancy West Ham to edge it.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 West Ham
We need Jarrod Bowen to turn up daisy fresh and leading us to a victory.
Infectious enthusiasm is the minimum requirement. Goals are a big plus and the icing on the cake.
I just looked at the last 4,6,8,10 and 12 played form tables and in some we’re slightly above Newcastle and in others they’re slightly above us. Not a lot in it on form.
They have a handful of injuries we have virtually none, not a lot in it there either.
We need to win, it is realistic that we could win but we’re away and it’s more likely that we won’t. More likely to be a draw, hopefully we’ll win, we simply cannot afford to lose.