Newcastle United will travel to the English capital to clash heads with West Ham United at the London Stadium in the opening day of the new Premier League campaign. The Magpies will hope to earn maximum points from this weekend’s contest versus the Hammers. However, for that to happen, they would have to come up with a dogged away performance on Saturday evening.
Steve Bruce will set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation as Callum Wilson gets the nod to lead the line for the Tyneside outfit up top.
4-2-3-1 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face West Ham United
Defence
Martin Dubravka is still sidelined with a heel bone injury, so Karl Darlow will earn the opportunity to start in between the sticks for the Magpies this weekend. Jamaal Lascelles will try to strike up a dominant defensive partnership with Federico Fernandez at the centre of the Newcastle defence as they try to keep West Ham’s Michail Antonio in check during the 90 minutes.
Emil Krafth will look to impress when he lines up as the right-back. Javier Manquillo will fill in on the other side as a makeshift left-back. The Spanish defender proved his worth in that role towards the tail end of last season, so there is no reason why Bruce won’t play him in this game.
Fabian Schär, Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett are unlikely to recover in time for this clash on the road.
Midfield
Jonjo Shelvey will anchor the midfield along with Isaac Hayden as they try to stop West Ham from dominating on the counter. The attacking trio of Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Matt Ritchie will operate just ahead of them as part of the Magpies attack. All three players will have to be at their best if they are to secure a victory away in London this weekend.
Bruce’s new signing, Jeff Hendrick and Christian Atsu will have to be content with a place on the bench but could come on to influence the game in the second 45 minutes if needed.
Attack
Callum Wilson will be given a chance to make his debut for the Magpies on Saturday as he spearheads the Newcastle attack up top. Both Joelinton and Andy Carroll will provide back-up for him on the bench.
