Newcastle v West Ham – Premier League match preview

A welcome to West Ham United
Newcastle United welcome West Ham United to St James’ Park for this Sunday 3pm kick-off on the banks of the Tyne.

As Zoe has pointed out in an earlier article, this is a game that is saddled with sub-plots as numerous players, and indeed both managers, feature against their respective former clubs.

In the black and white corner we have Alan Pardew and Demba Ba, who managed and played for the Hammers respectively, whilst in the claret and blue corner we have Sam Allardyce, Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll who now ply their trade in East London after spells in the North East.

There is plenty to prove on both sides of the divide come tomorrow afternoon. Sam Allardyce will be wanting to show that Newcastle made a mistake by disposing of his services just eight months after he was hired. Kevin Nolan will be wanting to show that he was deserving of a new deal, and Andy Carroll will be wanting to show that he can still score in the Premier League – his last competitive goal came in Euro 2012 against Sweden.

Meanwhile Alan Pardew will be keen to demonstrate he has moved on from the club he once took back to the Premier League and to an FA Cup final, whilst Demba Ba will be keen to show that he made the right decision to move from Upton Park following their relegation a couple of seasons ago.

Newcastle United:

Fabricio Coloccini starts his three game ban after his dismissal against Liverpool last week, whilst Cheik Tiote completes the final game of his three game ban for his sending off against Sunderland. James Perch is out with a thigh injury whilst Danny Simpson is doubtful with a shoulder problem. Dan Gosling, Ryan Taylor and Haris Vuckic are still all sidelined.

The good news is that Yohan Cabaye is fine after limping off at Anfield last week and even managed a late cameo against Club Brugge on Thursday. Demba Ba should also be fit after limping out in that same game although he was left at home midweek as a precaution.

West Ham:

James Collins and James Tomkins will undergo fitness tests ahead of the match to ascertain whether they are fit enough to play. Guy Demel could return after overcoming a hernia problem, but Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Taylor and Jack Collison are definitely out.

Previously…

It’s been a while since West Ham visited St James’ Park owing to their relegation and subsequent promotion back to the Premier League. The last time they played on Tyneside was in January 2011 when they lost 5-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Leon Best.

You have to go back 14 years to find their last success on Tyneside – a 3-0 win for the Hammers on Halloween night in 1998. However that result is one rare bright spot in what has generally been years of misery in the North East for West Ham. In 61 games at St James’ Park in all competitions, West Ham have won just eight games compared to Newcastle’s 34 victories.

Overall Newcastle have the better head-to-head record. Of 121 meetings in all competitions, Newcastle have won 49, West Ham 37, with the 35 results being a draw, obviously.

Stats and facts:

Newcastle are looking for their 50th victory over West Ham in all competitions.

Newcastle are unbeaten when they’ve scored the first goal in a match this season but are yet to win when conceding the first goal of the game. The last time Newcastle came from behind to win a match was against West Ham at Upton Park over two years ago.

West Ham haven’t won outside London this season. Their only away league triumph came at Loftus Road.

West Ham have scored in the first half of a game just four times so far this season.

Sam Allardyce won eight of his 24 games in charge of Newcastle giving him a win percentage of 33.33%. Alan Pardew’s winning percentage at Newcastle is 40.96% having guided his side to victory in 34 of his 83 matches in charge.

Team selection:

Once more we are likely to see a return to a stronger starting line up after our European exploits. Steven Taylor will come back in to the team after only appearing from the bench in Brugge on Thursday, and will team up with Mike Williamson due to the absence of Fabricio Coloccini.

If Danny Simpson makes the game he will come back in at right-back with Vurnon Anita, who is starting to look like he is starting to find his feet at last, moved into central midfield to partner Yohan Cabaye. Jonas Gutierrez and Hatem Ben Arfa both missed out completely in midweek but will likely take a place on the left and right wing respectively while Papiss Cisse, and unused substitute in Belgium, will more than likely partner a fit again Demba Ba up front.

The only change to that team I can see is if Danny Simpson doesn’t make the game. Without James Perch we are short of cover both in midfield and at right-back so one way around that is to play Anita in Simpson’s place again with perhaps a start for young Gael Bigirimana in midfield.

Final thought…

I hate these games with all these sub-plots and you can bet your bottom dollar that players and managers returning to St James’ Park will want to prove a point, especially Kevin Nolan, who has seen fit to complain about life on Tyneside after he has moved, and after he played a large part in “selling” a move to Liverpool to Andy Carroll. No doubt Nolan will want to prove he was worthy of a longer deal at St James’ Park…

However Newcastle have to rise above all this and get a win that would see up jump up at least one league position, leapfrogging the Hammers in the process. In fact a win for Newcastle could see them hit the top six if every result goes their way this weekend, but first things first we need to sort our own house and worry about the rest later.

Results haven’t been too bad this season, but the performances have left a lot to be desired and sooner or later that needs to be addressed. Mind you, it’s also worth pointing out that we only really started playing well after Christmas last season so all is not lost yet.

Three points is a must though.

Howay the lads!

Date: Sunday, 11th November, 2012

Time: 3pm UK time

Venue: St James’ Park

About toonsy

A lifelong Newcastle fan and current webmaster of this very 'blog who has the sole aim of creating a place by Newcastle United fans, for Newcastle United fans.

90 thoughts on “Newcastle v West Ham – Premier League match preview

  1. Toonsy ,nice one . For me midfield battle is key tommorow ,we must command the midfield . Only two of their goals in the league has come from their forwards being Vaz te ,who is defo out and Miaga ,remember him 😉 both getting one each ,the rest are from midfielders ,9 in total and a brace from CB’s Tomkins and Ried. Nolan has the most 4, so get him in handcuffs and we are half way to nullifying their threat. We are gonna miss Colo although having seen him undone by long balls over the top in the last two games maybe some time out won’t be so bad ,he can work on that on the training ground 😉 . Having Colison and Matt Taylor missing for the hammers will also help us too .We should win but funnier things have happened and as you say Toonsy ,these point to prove games are a right royal pain in the ****.

      (Quote)

  2. It will be interesting to see who they play at left of the midfield as with Collison and Taylor out that is their only two recognised LMFD players 😕

      (Quote)

  3. So, if Simpson is not playing, do we

    A) play Tav at RB and have Anita in midfield with Cabs and Jonas.

    B) play Anita RB and play Bigi in midfield with Cabs and Jonas.

    I think that will be Pardews biggest headache, coz Jarvis posses a big threat on the left – could Tav handle him.
    But also midfield is key with Nolan and Noble a threat through the middle – could Bigi handle it.

    It’s gonna be a tough game this one like.

      (Quote)

  4. ‘It’s been a while since West Ham visited St James’ Park owing to their relegation and subsequent promotion back to the Premier League. The last time they played on Tyneside was in January 2011 when they lost 5-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Leon Best.’

    I was at the game and remember it well, they were shocking. They still had Scott Parker if I remember correctly. Will be a different story tomorrow though, they are not bad. Divven’t want fat Sam to get the points though. 🙁

      (Quote)

  5. SHARPY i hope he gives Tav’s a go at RB and give Anita a run in his best position as Dm and lets Cabaye and Bigi get at them . I think those 3 could run the socks off the hammers midfield .

      (Quote)

  6. KIMTOON
    I think Collo has been run ragged a bit recently. Maybe a few games out wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

    SHARPY17
    Its going to be interesting to see who gets a chance out of Anita, Tavernier and Bigi. They are all good players though and I’m sure whoever plays won’t let us down.

      (Quote)

  7. AXEL
    I agree, Jonas will play as captain no doubt but I wouldn’t mind him on the bench for Cabaye, Bigi and Anita tbh after the season he is having.

      (Quote)

  8. Axel ,I thought Anita was MOTM on thursday night ,I was very ,very impressed and felt we were starting to see what all the hype was about. Ido think he needs to fill out a bit though as the PL is a very different animal to the Dutch league ,ours is more aggressive and faster paced and he’ll need to adapt his game to suit and his physicality as well.

      (Quote)

  9. Axel/DJG – I agree, I’d sooner see players playing in their favoured position wherever possible.

    I think Anita is only just starting to what he can offer in midfield and for me should play there tomorrow. Tav also played well midweek so should be given the chance at RB if Simmo is injured. I’d like to see Bigi play more regularly, but I think Jonas be the better option tomorrow with his older wiser head and tireless workrate. As I said in the last article, I’d have him track Nolan’s every move and stop him playing.

    I’m guessing Good will provide the defensive cover on the bench but the rest I think will look pretty attacking.

      (Quote)

  10. TAE – if we can try and stop the ball being played into him by quickly closing them down and not giving them time on the ball then really we only need to worry about him at corners – but that’s still a threat like.

      (Quote)

  11. <<<<<<<<< hopes ya right SHARPY17 just had bad vibes on this game all week 😐 these are a well organised team from what ive seen of them so far

      (Quote)

  12. TAE – I said earlier in the week that from our next 3 games (WHU, Swansea,Sham) I’d like 6-7 points – this being the game I expect us to possibly drop points in.
    But with home advantage, and the crowd behind them, I’d really hope with a level of intensity they can’t cope with.

      (Quote)

  13. I just wonder if Jonas has suffered from ‘burnout’. He has been our hardest working player for years and covered every blade of grass. You see it happen a lot where a player can suddenly lose their edge. Maybe he could do with playing a few less games and he would get some speed back?

      (Quote)

  14. It has to be said like, this position has not come to the hammers without cost to their porn mag owners. They must be in a dire financial situation compared to our club.

      (Quote)

  15. DJG
    “Porn mag owners” ❓ What magazine do they own? I just thought they were dirty/dodgy dealers 😕

      (Quote)

  16. ‘A millionaire by 25, with his partner, David Gold, Sullivan moved into the adult entertainment industry; his business empire encompassing sex shops, adult magazines and several low-budget blue movies.[4] By the mid-1970s, Sullivan was in control of half of the adult magazine market.’ 😉

      (Quote)

  17. Taxi for MON :mrgreen: 😆
    Its gonna be a tough game tomorrow, no doubt. We will have to play hard for 90 mins not 70 like we did against Brugge.
    Have to agree with previous comments re Jonas. He needs a break imo.
    We need to boss the midfield, but we also need to create more chances for our forwards.
    We couls do with NO more injuries too.
    Howay the Lads

      (Quote)

  18. @19 Yeah, they own Anne Summers don’t they? They make Ashley look classy 😛

    Come on lads, lets teach Nolan, Carroll and Fat Sam a lesson, don’t have time for any of em 😀

      (Quote)

  19. Kim I think Andy has done a runner now to check out porn magazines just for research purposes offcourse 😀
    Well if Jonas needs a break that will give young Fergie a chance that he could do with then if Jonas gets his mojo back after sitting out a few games it might do us a world of good 😉

      (Quote)

  20. If Jonas gets a yellow card tomorrow, he’ll be getting a “rest” as he’ll get suspended 😉

      (Quote)

  21. our midfield have to be up for it when we loose the ball we have to get it back as quick as possible keep the pressure on them get the strikers in the game more than we have done cabeye owes us a big performance if our midfield dont create chances for ba cissi could be a hard worrying 90 minutes

      (Quote)

  22. reguarding jonas could be hes trying to do to much defending the left back but .could also be burn out,dont make the surgeing runs any more like he used to

      (Quote)

  23. I see are UEFA ranking has gone up for doing well so far in the Europa, we’re 85th at the moment, still behind Stoke and the brummies. Could be that we’ve gone up 20 more places by the end of our Europa campaign. Reckon we’ll get to the last 16 round this season and then get knocked out.

      (Quote)

  24. Dave@24 😯 I thought he was a good boy 😉

    Andy@28 Don’tgo straining your wrist now you need it in good nick for your uni writing 😉

      (Quote)

  25. Richie
    If Jonas gets suspended then I think we’ll see 4231 with the team like
    —————————–Krul——————————-
    -Anita—–Taylor(C)———-Williamson—–Santon-
    —————–Bigirimana———–Tiote—————-
    —–Ben Arfa————Cabaye—————–Ba—–
    ——————————Cissé—————————-

      (Quote)

  26. @32
    It’s alright, ya should have seen what I was about to comment before I quickly deleted it 😈 😉

      (Quote)

  27. Dave
    Much apreciated 😉
    Kim
    They’re away down south at the moment, so won’t be back till monday, will see then, reckon I can still persuade him.

      (Quote)

  28. Sucks that tomorrow’s game isnt on tv. Does anyone know if its on a radio station (full commentary, not just updates)? Can’t be arsed sitting and watching a shitty stream (rubbish signal where I live) on my computer.

      (Quote)

  29. KimToon just to clear things up Jarvis will more than likely be our LM

    I like Newcastle one of my favourite northern clubs! I do hate you for taking Ba though!
    We are a very unpredictable team we pull out amazing performances against top clubs and then we are as bad as we were when you beat us 5-0 the year we got relegated, a lot could depend on how many of our defence we have fit! Reid has been superb this season hopefully he can keep Ba quiet.
    Look forward to the game tomorrow COYI

      (Quote)

  30. Dave ,why wasn’t he wearing one?

    As happens every year I have bought 6 so far as I keep losing them 🙄 I think the seat belt rubs against them and they fall off when I’m not looking.

      (Quote)

  31. WHUFCFAN@43 , thanks for clearing up that one ,he’s bagged you a goal already this season hasn’t he. Looking forward to the game and I for one won’t be booing AC as really like the guy. Obviously hope we win but have to congratulate the Hammers on a brilliant start so far .Do you think AC will bag a goal for you ? seems to me your midfield are where your goasls are coming from at the moment.

      (Quote)

  32. In the Premiership today 140 players played 139 wore poppies 9 from the R.O.I … James McClean only one not to … Poppy represents the death of both Protestant & Catholics at both wars and ongoing conflicts defending for what we have today

      (Quote)

  33. Andy Carroll has been superb for us so far, he doesn’t really look like scoring but bringing our midfield into the game he does superbly, obviously you know what Nolan is all about, I imagine yossi will be out on the right he is getting better as the weeks go on, lacks pace but on the ball his ability is immense, I’d say our player to watch out for is Diame I don’t know if you saw his goal against Arsenal, it was class! He breaks the game up well and loves attacking like a younger Parker but a bit better at going forward

      (Quote)

  34. Dave ,I can’t understand anyone not wearing one tbh .Even if you are anti war it’s not about the glory of war it’s remembering those who have died from whatever religion you do or don’t support . Nope I just don’t understand that mindset at all I’m afraid. 🙁

      (Quote)

  35. @47 ,no mate I never saw it but I agree about Andy ,I watched his first game for you as it was on TV and you could see the difference he made straight away ,pity he got injured though.

      (Quote)

  36. Read an interesting interview in the mirror with both Sam and Pards today .Big Sam reckons it took him 6 months to get over the sacking from the Toon 😯 Never knew he was such a sensitve flower. Pards is convinced AC will be back in a Toon shirt one day as well, and Sam said he thought AC and Tugboat never wanted to leave either.

      (Quote)

  37. Kim the funny thing is that up until recently most republicans wouldn’t wear the poppy because they saw it as support for for the British, but infact thousands of soldiers from the republic died fighting alongside their British comrades :cry:. So they are turning their back on their own aswell, you would think he would have the decency to wear it for 90mins to show a bit of respect, as after all he doesn’t mind earning and getting paid in the ( Queens) British pounds

      (Quote)

  38. BigDave to be fair we do play long ball however not as often as you think, we play the ball around quite well at times however one thing I must say about this new way we play, we don’t care if you have 70% possession we seem to be good at sitting back and controlling the team on the ball then trying to score on the break

      (Quote)

  39. Dave…He wasn’t the only one not wearing, apparently his gaffa MoN wasn’t wearing one either 👿

    Dave… I reckon the WH fans are happy enough to get promoted and to try and get themselves established in the Prem again first before worrying too much about the style of football…..next season or the season after might be a different story though :mrgreen: …Taxi for Big Sam.

      (Quote)

  40. WHUFCFAN tbh I haven’t watched you’s much but I know when he was here it was like watching paint dry.
    Richie I didn’t hear about MON 👿 but he could have an excuse at hand that it fell of 😳 but McClean has none because he choice to wear a shirt that didn’t have one printed on it 😈
    Reet im outta here catch you’s tomorrow

      (Quote)

  41. Dave @54 ,It’s a sorry state of affairs when as a human race we can’t all honor the dead from what ever background, religion or creed .

    Right I’m off Lew had me up coughing all last night and I’m hanging .Laters Lads. 😀

      (Quote)

  42. Dave…Apparently MoN didn’t have one on his kit during the match but he did have one on his post match press conf suit so I’ll let him off….he’s still a c@nt though 😆 …..and I’m away too :mrgreen:

      (Quote)

  43. Re McClean, I do think there are plenty of players who don’t give a **** about what wearing a Poppy means, but will wear one anyway for the sake of it. It’s a complicated issue and if people have a convincing reason or just feel they don’t want to wear one then fair enough I guess. Can’t really judge without knowing.

    Still, that being said, he’s still a **** in my eyes like 😛

      (Quote)

  44. Newkie
    Was a tool in my eyes after he followed-through with his tackle on Simpson in last seasons home derby.

      (Quote)

  45. Andy-Yeah, and any time I see him playing he just seems to be mouthing off at someone or throwing a hissy fit, but then I guess anyone who plays for Sunderland will feel the same 😉

      (Quote)

  46. Rinton-that’s a good point, no doubt there will be plenty of them fired up for tomorrow, I can only hope we are too, only just noticed they’re ahead of us in the league, we need the 3 points badly..

      (Quote)

  47. I think it’s a massive match, I hope Allardyce has a massive cardiac arrest after we tonk them 5-0 again.

      (Quote)

  48. This is the team i think nufc will play…

    Krul

    santon williamson taylor ferguson

    anita cabaye gutierez

    ben arfa ba cisse

      (Quote)

  49. Off topic but can anyone give me some advice on ticketing? I’m up North next week and wanted to catch a game, think I’ve left it too late to get tickets for Swansea, do you know if they can be collected on the day or alternatively if I went to see a reserve match, can tickets be bought on the day??

      (Quote)

  50. Thanks Aussie, will be my first game at St James’ since a 1-0 win over Leeds back in 2003-2004. Bit looking forward to it 🙂

      (Quote)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *