West Ham vs Newcastle United Preview: Pressure Mounts on Nuno
Having won just one Premier League game all season â ironically against Nottingham Forest, when Nuno EspĂrito Santo was still their manager â West Ham are in desperate need of a result. Unfortunately for the Hammers, the visitors this weekend are a Newcastle United side arriving in East London with a bit of swagger after cruising past Spurs in midweek in the EFL Cup.
Nunoâs four games at West Ham has been turbulent so far. Tactical tinkering and questionable line-ups have left fans scratching their heads, particularly after limp defeats to Brentford and Leeds. However a more conventional line-up has seen the inclusion of Freddie Potts from the start against Howe’s Toon, with no more inverted full-backs.
The Hammers manger didn’t seem too upset with his tinkering as he justified the changes to the press ahead of the game: “I would like to have found a solution earlier and stick to it, but I think it’s our obligation to try and find the solutions because the team is not producing.” It does seem that Nuno has seen sense this time though with square pegs in square holes.
Nuno needs to stop the tinkering
Injury Woes Mount for Nuno
West Hamâs injury list is starting to look like a bit of an issue at striker and centre back. Konstantinos Mavropanos remains side-lined after picking up an injury against Brentford, while young full-back Ollie Scarles is out for 6-8 weeks term following surgery on his collarbone.
Germany striker Niclas FĂźllkrug is still not ready for action despite returning to light training, so Nuno has chosen Callum Wilson up front with Summerville and Bowen flanking.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have their own issues. Sven Botman is expected to return, but Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, and Yoane Wissa all remain doubts. That said, Eddie Howeâs side look well-drilled and confident despite their injury setbacks.
Eddie Howe will field a strong team against West Ham
Where Itâs Going Wrong
The biggest question for West Ham is the midfield. Andy Irving and Tomas SouÄek looked lost last time out, and it’s good to see Potts and Fernandes in the middle this time. The defence also looks shaky in the air â not ideal when facing Newcastleâs giant striker Nick Woltemade, who could bully our centre-backs all afternoon.
Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman will need to be switched on from the first whistle, while Wan-Bissaka and Malicj Diouf could have their hands full against Newcastleâs width.
West Ham Starting XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Alphonse Areola |
| RB | Aaron Wan-Bissaka |
| CB | Todibo |
| CB | Max Kilman |
| LB | Malick Diouf |
| CM | Freddie Potts |
| CM | Mateus Fernandes |
| AM | Lucas PaquetĂĄ |
| RW | Jarrod Bowen (C) |
| LW | Crysencio Summerville |
| CF | Callum Marshall |
Final Thoughts
Nuno EspĂrito Santoâs pre-match interview will no doubt feature plenty of talk about âbuilding momentumâ and âbelief,â but the time for words has passed. West Ham need a performance. The fans are restless, the atmosphere at the London Stadium is tense, and with a planned protest after the game, patience is wearing thin.
Unfortunately, looking at the form, injuries, and general mood around the campâŚ
Score Prediction: West Ham 0â3 Newcastle United
If Nuno doesnât get this one right, the next week will not be pretty.
Mixing up our Callums Gonzo?
So Walker-Peters instead of Diouf? I assume you don’t rate the Senegal player’s defending then, because I’m not aware of any injury.
Our best hope is Newcastle will be knackered after playing mid week but truth is theyâre probably fitter having played more games than us.
Canât see Kante or Landers starting. Kante might start making the bench, but Magassa is much more likely to start. Striker is more difficult. I think Landers is the better long term prospect compared to Marshall, it really canât see him playing for the first team yet. Unfortunately I think we are stuck with Wilson for the short term. As for igor, the less said the bette, he might just make Roger Johnson look world class!
We donât look like weâve got a win in us against anyone at the moment.
Iâve gone 0-4, think they will just overrun us all over the park đŠ
How can you possibly predict the West Ham line up? Even if you got the names right, you then have to predict where he will play them. If you get it right, buy a lottery ticket.
Newcastle fan (my late father was a Hammers fan). Enjoyed your article (the insight not just your prediction). We’re desperate for 3 points to carry on our revival, especially with Brentford away and Man City coming up.
Don’t quite understand the striker situation – “Nuno will have to decide between Callum Marshall or Callum Wilson up front”. “CF – Josh Landers”
Fernandes / Magassa need to be played for their energy, and we need a forward so play the two Callums one subbed off for the other.
Beyond that no experiments, go with similar to the Everton game plan. We need to compete before we do anything else, above all else nothing barmy….
Yes, Gonzo, it is VERY difficult to have any optimism about this game. Having said that, I can – after 68 years of support – recount similar situations where WHU appeared to be down & out, only to bounce back with an unlikely win against a good side. But, for the life of me, I cannot envisage such a result against Newcastle – or for that matter, against Burnley .
This bunch of players are notable for their inadequacy & impotence (with about 4 exceptions). Not only that, but they must be severely psychologically damaged by their dismal past performances & the universal condemnation of them; such that they take the field having already lost the game, in their minds. So, I think that your prediction wonât be very wide of the mark; although I hope against hope that the team can summon some pride – where from I do not know – & get at least a draw against Newcastle; & even a win against Burnley !
Guardian Headlines, sums it all up —West Ham are a shambles â and Nuno shows little sign of being able to fix.
Enjoying weekend in Dublin, with family, all West Ham and Cork fans. Having a few in the Oval Bar.
1 point in 4 games. Just glad I did not buy a season Ticket, can use the money for other things.
Back to pub Sunday, for Irish Roast then 2pm kick off in other room.