Hammers set to field strongest team so far

The Hammers head for Newcastle with a better squad than at any time so far this season despite the absence of Winston Reid.

That’s likely to see James Collins drafted into the side after a man of the match performance against Cheltenham with Fonte being dropped to the bench after his ineffective showing against Southampton.

Ginge and Adrian Ogbonna look the obvious central defensive partnership with Pablo Zabaletta and Aaron Cresswell completing the back line.

Cheik Kouyate got a valuable 20 minutes or so against Cheltenham but whether the manager will risk him from the start remains to be seen.

Pedro Obiang looks all set to hold down his midfield slot and with Michail Antonio hopefully down the right and hopefully Hernandez AND Sakho starting, we look in terrific nick for a crucial affair before the international break.

Marko Arnautovic is serving the second of his games on suspension and Newcastle will be without Shelvey who is suspended from the opening day game against Spurs.

Likely Irons team: Hart, Zabaletta, Ogbonna, Collins, Cresswell; Rice; Antonio, Noble, Obiang, Chicharito, Sakho.