For the first time in almost a year, West Ham has managed to win two games in a row. The 1-0 win in the derby against Arsenal, beaten at home, and the 2-0 win over the moribund Leicester in the last midweek round. No longer involved in domestic cup competitions, the Hammers have not played for about ten days: Graham Potter, who took over from Julen Lopetegui midway through the season, has therefore had plenty of time to prepare for the clash with Newcastle, who on paper have much more motivation than the Londoners to take all three points in this match.
West Ham’s disastrous first half of the season means that Soucek and his teammates can no longer hope to qualify for Europe. Under their new coach, the Hammers have undoubtedly made progress, albeit in a very inconsistent manner, but they are still a long way off the European places (they are 12 points behind seventh place) and would need a sensational comeback to close the gap. A comeback that currently seems out of reach. The situation is different for Newcastle, who are in the thick of the battle for fourth or fifth place, which could mean Champions League football. Despite three defeats in their last four games – a week ago, the Magpies were also knocked out of the FA Cup, losing at home to Brighton – they can still aim to finish in the top four. The League Cup is also still up for grabs: next weekend, Eddie Howe’s men will have the opportunity to challenge Liverpool for the title in the final at Wembley, an event that the Bianconeri coach will certainly take into account when selecting his line-up for the match at the London Stadium.
As for the Hammers, Potter could welcome back both Paquetà and Coufal, who will take their places on the bench. Howe will be without the suspended Gordon and the injured Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, and Hall.
Odds comparison
The “1X” result is priced at 1.65 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.60 on Snai. The “Goal” result is priced at 1.50 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.53 on Snai.
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Prediction
A resurgent West Ham could take advantage of Newcastle’s numerous absences: the Magpies will also be distracted by the upcoming League Cup final, which could be worth a season. As in the first leg (which ended 0-2 for West Ham), the Hammers are likely to avoid defeat in a match in which both teams will score.
Probable line-ups for West Ham-Newcastle
WEST HAM (3-5-2): Areola; Cresswell, Kilman, Todibo; Wan-Bissaka, Soucek, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Scarles; Kudus, Bowen.
NEWCASTLE (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1