Both Newcastle United and West Ham United will start the third match week of the season in search of their first win of their campaign. They both have lost the opening two games and while West Ham United did come extremely close to claim a point from the last game, Rafael Benitez’s men are yet to score their first goal of the season after winning the Championship to gain promotion to the top tier.
To top that, recent speculations of Rafael Benitez being considered to take up Slaven Bilic’s place at London Stadium will add more fuel to the fire.
Team News
Newcastle United- The Magpies have many injury boosts ahead of the game. Benitez could see the likes of right-back DeAndre Yedlin coming back for contention recovering from his hamstring problem, Dwight Gayle could return from his illness, and new arrival Florian Lejeune also has an outside chance of returning to the high-intensity game from his knocked ankle.
However, Newcastle United would still be without star midfielder Jonjo Shelvey as he isn’t returning before September after his red card booking against Spurs and Paul Dummett’s hamstring is expected to keep him out for three months. The only positive from the EFL Cup, Rolando Aarons, also remains a doubt for the game.
West Ham United- The biggest miss for the game would undeniably be record-signing Marko Arnautovic as the forward will start his three-match suspension after seeing red card against Southampton. Winston Reid will continue to miss the game but should be back after the international break.
Forwards Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll remain doubts for the game and Slaven Bilic is unlikely to risk them now when he can use them optimally a few weeks later. Apart from them, Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta and Michail Antonio are all expected to start the game this time after sitting out the midweek fixture against Cheltenham Town in the Carabao Cup.
Predicted Lineup
West Ham United- Hart; Zabaleta, Fonte, Ogbonna; Antonio, Noble, Rice, Obiang, Cresswell; Ayew, Hernandez
Newcastle United- Elliot; Mbemba, Clark, Lascelles, Manquillo; Atsu, Hayden, Merino, Ritchie; Perez; Joselu
Key Players
West Ham United- Without a doubt, Javier Hernandez would be the main man for the Hammers. The Mexican opened his Premier League account for the second time last week, against Southampton with a brace and should hope to continue it.
Newcastle United- New striker Joselu should be the man to look out for, who is likely to start in place of an uncertain Dwight Gayle. The big framed Spaniard is known for his finishing and fans would hope he gives them something cheer for.
Odds
West Ham United @ 12/5
Draw @ 12/5
Newcastle United @ 13/10
