This Saturday’s Premier League encounter promises excitement as Newcastle United host West Ham United at St. James’ Park. Both teams are locked in a tight race for European qualification, making this a crucial match for their season ambitions.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies will aim to secure successive European qualifications and should prioritize this target for the business end of the season. They are eager to make amends after recent setbacks, a 3-2 league defeat to Chelsea followed by an FA Cup exit against Manchester City.
Meanwhile, West Ham booked their quarter-final spot in the UEFA Europa League with an outstanding display against SC Freiburg at the London Stadium. They scored five goals to overturn their first-leg deficit, progressing with a 5-1 aggregate scoreline. Though their Premier League form remains steady with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa in their last match.
The Magpies find themselves in 10th place on the table, holding 40 points in their tally, trailing the Hammers who occupy 7th place with 44 points, just one spot away from the Premier League’s top six. With European qualification within reach, both sides are determined to give their all. Newcastle seeks to maintain their upward trajectory, while West Ham aims to solidify their position in the top half. This clash promises to be a tense battle, with neither team willing to concede an inch.
When and Where?
Date: Saturday, 30th March, 2024.
Time: 12:30 pm BST.
Venue: St James Park.
Newcastle United vs West Ham – Match Officials
Referee: Rob Jones.
Assistants: Ian Hussin & Wade Smith.
Fourth official: Darren Bond.
VAR: David Coote.
Assistant VAR: Eddie Smart.
Newcastle United vs West Ham – Team news
The host’s injury woes have deepened with Sven Botman’s ACL injury. Existing absentees include Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, and Joelinton. Lewis Miley is also sidelined for six weeks due to a back problem. However, a glimmer of hope emerges with potential returns from Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento, and Harvey Barnes.
The visitors haven’t encountered any new significant setbacks but will be without Edson Álvarez due to a two-game suspension. Midfielder Mohamed Kudus remains doubtful with a knee issue, while forward Maxwel Cornet might be available for selection.
Newcastle United vs West Ham – Pre-Match Tactical Analysis
Eddie Howe’s side found themselves outshone by the Treble winners in the FA Cup last-eight, as their defensively minded formation, featuring five at the back in a 5-3-2 formation, backfired against Manchester City. For the upcoming clash against the Irons, the hosts are expected to readapt to their more attacking 4-3-3 tactical shape.
Martin Dúbravka is set to guard the goal, with the back four comprising Dan Burn and Tino Livramento as full-backs, alongside the reliable center-half pairing of Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schär.
In midfield, Bruno Guimarães will return to club duties, joining forces with Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff to form a midfield trinity. The attacking front three will feature Miguel Almirón and the newly England-capped Anthony Gordon on the flanks, with Alexander Isak positioned as the striker.
David Moyes is unlikely to deviate from his tactical formation of a 4-2-3-1 setup, with the French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola set to remain between the sticks. The back four is expected to remain unchanged, featuring Vladimir Coufal at right back, Kurt Zouma and Konstantinos Mavropanos as center-backs, and Emerson Palmieri on the left side.
Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips might fill the gap left by the suspended Álvarez, partnering Tomáš Souček in a defensive midfield duo. James Ward-Prowse could replace the potentially sidelined Mohamed Kudus, joining Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá in an attacking midfield trio. Michail Antonio will spearhead the West Ham attack.
Key Players
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
The center-forward has played an essential role for the Magpies, leading their line with 16 goal contributions in 30 appearances across all competitions. Isak’s 12 goals have come in just 20 league games, making the Swedish international the club’s top scorer this term. His ability to finish chances could prove crucial for Newcastle, as he will be a key man considering their scoring record at home against all visitors in this 2023/24 season.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)
Another player to watch in the forward line is West Ham’s English starlet, Jarrod Bowen, who has taken on a significant share of their offensive duties by scoring the most goals for the Londoners this season, with 18 goals in all competitions across 37 appearances. Although the 27-year-old has not found the back of the net in his previous two league outings, the range of his gameplay, especially his ability to pose a threat from the right channels, could present challenges for the hosts.
Newcastle United vs West Ham – Predicted Lineups
Newcastle predicted lineup vs West Ham: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Lascelles, Burn; Willock, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
West Ham predicted lineup vs Newcastle: Areola; Coufal, Mavropanos, Zouma, Emerson; Soucek, Phillips; Bowen, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta; Antonio.
