West Ham (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction

For the third week running, Newcastle must go again in the Premier League just days after a brilliant result and big effort in midweek.

First it was Milan-Sheffield, then Man City-Burnley – two tests passed flying colours – but our league game this weekend is a very tricky trip to West Ham. Fatigue and focus could be a factor after such a huge effort to beat PSG on Wednesday, yet that in itself has only built momentum and boosted confidence levels even further, you’d think!

It was a truly magical occasion at St James’ Park and a night we’ll never forget. However, Eddie Howe has urged the players to ‘prove themselves all over again’ at the London Stadium, hoping for one last push and positive result before the international break.

West Ham have arguably got better since Declan Rice left, spending the money superbly on the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus. Jarrod Bowen is scoring goals and Lucas Paqueta looks a top player, but they weren’t the only side in European action this week. In fact, they’ve had one less day to prepare after taking on Freiburg in Germany on Thursday night.

Anthony Gordon is suspended and, based on Eddie Howe’s pre-match comments below, Joelinton and Callum Wilson will have late fitness tests. Sven Botman (knee), Harvey Barnes (toe) and Joe Willock (Achilles) remain out.

“The injury list doesn’t look great but I don’t think, touch wood, apart from Harvey [Harvey Barnes] that there is anything long-term there but maybe some short-term pain for us.

“We’ll have and see how Callum [Wilson] and Joelinton are. They’re probably the closest two.

“Anthony [Gordon] is suspended which is another blow for us. Sven [Botman] won’t make it.“

For the Hammers, Michail Antonio (hip) is a doubt, left-back Aaron Cresswell has a hamstring injury and Ben Johnson (groin) has been ruled out.

Predicted line ups

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton – Almiron, Wilson, Anderson.

I can’t see wholesale changes – even after the hectic schedule – as Howe will want to keep the momentum going, build on Wednesday’s result and three-straight wins (and clean sheets) in the league.

I don’t see us altering anything at the back. We’ve conceded once in our last six games, Botman remains out and moving Burn to the middle means unnecessary changes to a part of the team that thrives on consistency and partnerships. Livramento’s chance will come, but I don’t think he’ll start ahead of Trippier this time, with our vice captain in superb form at both ends of the pitch.

In midfield, I think Longstaff and Bruno will have to go again. I think Joelinton will come back in IF he passes a late fitness test, but we’ll see Tonali keep his place or Anderson fill in (providing he’s not used as a left winger) if the Brazilian misses out.

In attack, the fact Callum Wilson has been training since Tuesday gives me hope he’ll be ok to replace Isak; who may have to start four games in 12 days if our number nine doesn’t make it. Murphy is fresh and an option out wide, I just think Howe might stick by Almiron after three goals in his last three starts, On the left, Anderson may be our only real option with Gordon suspended and Barnes out injured. Should Anderson be needed in midfield, Murphy could fill in out wide. Joelinton (if fit) can also operate down the left, with Tonali continuing as a LCM. Options for Howe, but we’ll be stretched if big Joe and Wilson can’t play.

Predicted West Ham XI: Areola – Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson – Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Alvarez – Bowen, Kudus, Paqueta.

Ones to watch: Lucas Paqueta – Took time to settle in but looks a top player, who not only has that sprinkle of magic, but works hard. Jarrod Bowen is their main goal threat and new signing Mohammed Kudus could be one to keep an eye on if the former Ajax star starts ahead of Antonio.

Prediction

This is a tough game against a West Ham side with real size from set pieces and quality from open play. We’ll be on top of the world after Wednesday, but can we go again?

Yes, we beat Sheffield United after Milan and coasted to a 2-0 win over Burnley after knocking out Man City, but it would be one of our most impressive victories yet if we leave the London Stadium with all three points when you consider our recent schedule and the number of key players missing.

I said we’d draw 2-2 with PSG and we blew them away, so hopefully the lads prove me wrong again and come away with another massive win!

Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Newcastle

HWTL!!