This game has been described as “season defining” and “must win”: Whatever else it will be nail biting for West Ham fans desperate to see their side perform well enough to keep the relegation fight going until the last weekend where the Hammers will battle out their season finale with Leeds in front of a home crowd.
To keep themselves alive, Nuno’s side need to win this afternoon and hope that Spurs slip up against Chelsea on Tuesday night.
Defeat or a draw opens up the trapdoor for Spurs to shove the Irons into the Championship in 72 hours time.
Nuno has named his West Ham starting eleven for the 5.30 kick off at St James’ Park and this is the chosen line up – Still defensive, still three centre backs.
Wilson in for Taty and Pablo on the bench will not send shivers through Eddie Howe’s squad.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Hermansen |
| RWB | Wan Bissaka |
| CB | Mavropanos |
| CB | Disasi |
| CB | Todibo |
| LWB | Diouf |
| CM | Fernandes |
| CM | Soucek |
| IR | Bowen |
| CF | Wilson |
| IL | Summerville |
Have to assume there’ll be changes in the second half but it does sound ultra-cautions, meaning the Hammers are hardly likely to come out of the blocks this afternoon. Three at the back? Oh.. no..
We’ll have player and Nuno ratings after the full time whistle, plus you’ll be able to post live with your own comments on the Hammers’ performance this afternoon.
Come. On.You.Irons!
Numo has shown his true colours and needs to go end of season .
I’m sick to death of negative Managers trying to nick wins , holding on ….
Just put a team out to bloody win
Nuno has got it wrong again, this is not good.
The line up suggests Nuno is banking on a clean sheet at half time, then changes around the 70 minutes to go for the win
Totally agree with Andy. 3 across the back is more attacking than 4. Allowing the wingbacks to get more advanced up the pitch. It amazes me how it can be seen otherwise. Newcastle will obviously look to attack and will get chances allowing us to break in numbers COYI
I think we will be on the attack from the start three centre backs can also mean more attacking not just defensive
Team selection a bit worry.
No Taty or Pablo
Think Wilson should be played with Taty
Looks very defensive to me, when we need to win
Let’s hope it’s a back 3, not 5.
Not sure I like Wilson on his own.
We’ll see.