Newcastle vs West Ham: Preview, predictions and lineups

Premier League action resumes after the March international break when Newcastle host West Ham in Saturday’s early kick-off as both sides try to secure European football for next season.

The Magpies, who have been hit with more severe injuries over the past two weeks, have struggled to match their impressive 2022/23 campaign and sit down in tenth with ten games left to play.

West Ham are in a stronger position when it comes to qualifying for the Europa League, sitting seventh and only three points behind Manchester United.

Here’s 90min’s preview of Newcastle vs West Ham.

Newcastle have been ravaged by injuries throughout the season and there looks to be no end in sight.

The international break saw Sven Botman undergo surgery to repair a damaged anterior cruciate ligament, ruling the Dutch defender out for between six to nine months, while Lewis Miley is likely to be missing for around six weeks after damaging his back.

Joelinton, Callum Wilson and Nick Pope are still out, while Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes face a tight deadline to be fit in time to face West Ham. There’s also a chance Kieran Trippier makes his return to the starting lineup.

Newcastle predicted lineup vs West Ham (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Lascelles, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Gordon, Isak, Almiron.

Manager David Moyes will be sweating over the fitness of key attacker Mohammed Kudus, who is trying to return from a knee injury which saw him miss Ghana’s international fixtures.

Maxwel Cornet could potentially recover from a hamstring problem in time to play, while there has been concern about Emerson Palmieri. However, the former Chelsea defender should feature.

The one certain absentee for West Ham this weekend is Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez, who is suspended.

West Ham predicted lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Areola; Coufal, Mavrapanos, Zouma, Emerson; Phillips, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio.

With both teams still fighting for something in the Premier League, there is potential for this to be an entertaining clash in the north east on Saturday afternoon.

With the Magpies limping towards the end of the season, David Moyes’ side should try to put pressure on the hosts from the start and, given their opponents’ many injury woes, they may expect to get three points.

Equally, a big effort is needed by Newcastle given they have limited options from the bench, so expect some goals and a great atmosphere at St James’ Park.