Newcastle United vs West Ham: match preview, team news and predicted XI

Newcastle United faces a crucial week as they seek to improve their Premier League prospects. They will play West Ham at West London this night. Last weekend, they were eliminated from the FA Cup after losing 2-1 to Brighton in a match that saw both teams reduced to ten players. Alexander Isak scored a penalty to give Newcastle the lead, but they ultimately lost in extra time.

Currently, Newcastle sits sixth in the Premier League, but they have lost four of their last six matches, including a recent 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. They have an important Carabao Cup Final against Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday, adding pressure to their league performance as they aim for European qualification.

Newcastle remains unbeaten in their last five visits to East London, which is a record for them. Meanwhile, West Ham, who have been competing in Europe for the past three seasons, find themselves struggling this year. Their season has not gone as expected, leading to the dismissal of manager Julen Lopetegui in January. Notably, one of his six league victories came against Newcastle in November.

Graham Potter appears to be making progress with West Ham, having secured back-to-back wins against Arsenal and Leicester, with Tomáš Souček and Jarrod Bowen scoring in those games. The victory has lifted West Ham to 15th place. While there may not be much at stake for the team, the fans are eager for another win.

This match is West Ham’s first in 11 days, giving Potter ample time to implement his strategies. However, Crysencio Summerville, Michail Antonio, and Niclas Füllkrug are still out with long-term injuries. Vladimír Coufal and Lucas Paquetá are doubts for the match.

Potter is expected to maintain the successful back three formation. Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen will likely lead the attack, while Evan Ferguson has yet to start a match since his loan from Brighton. Teenager Oliver Scarles may continue at left wing-back, ahead of Emerson Palmieri.

West Ham United predicted lineup vs Newcastle United: (5-3-2): Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Scarles; Álvarez, Souček, Ward-Prowse; Kudus, Bowen.

For Newcastle United, Anthony Gordon’s red card from last weekend means a three-match suspension, including the EFL Cup Final. Sven Botman and Lewis Hall are also out due to injuries.

Tino Livramento will likely play left-back in Gordon’s absence. Eddie Howe needs to decide how to replace Gordon; Harvey Barnes would be a natural fit, but Joelinton could also be moved to the wing. If Joelinton receives a yellow card, he will miss the next two league matches.

Nick Pope has played the last two Premier League games, but Martin Dúbravka returned for the match against Brighton. It remains to be seen who will start especially with an important match on Sunday.

Newcastle United predicted lineup vs West Ham United: (4-2-3-1): Pope; Trippier, Schär, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton; Murphy, Barnes, Isak.