Saturday 24th August
Newcastle United vs West Ham United
Ref- Phil Dowd
St James Park
Kick-off 3pm
West Ham United will travel to Newcastle attempting to right the wrong of last season at the first attempt and win their first back to back Premier League games in a season and a half.
West Ham’s away form last season meant that gaining back to back wins were almost impossible. But the Hammers will travel to St James Park with fond memories having gained one of their only two away wins last season there thanks to a Kevin Nolan goal.
Despite last season being a very positive return to the top flight, Sam Allardyce will want his side to improve hugely on last season’s failures away from home. With the arrival of Stewart Downing it will surely help the Irons cause away from home.
His arrival will enhance West Ham’s attacking options away from Upton Park, with Jarvis on one wing and Downing on the other it makes the counter attack a real option for the East end club.
Downing, who arrived from Liverpool this summer, showed glimpses of the quality he possesses during his brief cameo in the Hammers comfortable 2-0 win over Cardiff City on the opening day of the Barclays Premier League.
Goals from Joe Cole and Kevin Nolan gave the Hammers their win which sent them to the dizzy heights of second in the league. (I know it’s only after one game, but we don’t often find ourselves there so let us have our day). It was a very pleasing start for Big Sam and his men, but he has warned that travelling to St James Park on Saturday will not be an easy ride despite the pressure on the shoulders of former Hammers boss Alan Pardew.
The former Newcastle manager told gathering journalists at Upton Park that his side must not be over confident, he said; “You cannot ease off, every time you do that in this league you get punished. We have to be 100 per cent focused and we have to improve our away form from last season, starting with Saturday’s game at Newcastle.”
Before adding; “Even though Newcastle had, probably a poor performance Alan [Pardew] would say in the end, which was only brought about by circumstances and Manchester City being absolutely brilliant. It’s the first game of the season at St James’ Park and the fans will lift the players, so we will have to be on top form to make sure we get a result.”
West Ham will continue to be without Andy Carroll as he steps up his recovery from his troublesome heel injury, so Modibo Maiga who impressed last week, will once again lead the line.
Alan Pardew who finds himself under pressure at St James’ Park will want to put Monday night’s 4-0 drubbing at the Etihad behind him and focus on getting points on the board.
He will hold no sentiments towards West Ham, the club he managed for three seasons; he will aim to get one over on his former employers to help to release the weight on his shoulder.
Despite having a depleted squad after seeing Jonás Gutiérrez limp off injured in Manchester and skipper Steven Taylor seeing red for a forearm smash on Sergio Aguero, Newcastle still have some very dangerous players and the Hammers will have to be on their toes to gain maximum points.
One man in particular West Ham United will have to keep quiet is winger Hatem Ben Arfa.
As I watched on Monday night, the Frenchman’s movement and pace was the only shining light in a very poor Newcastle display. He will cause the Hammers back line all sorts of problems if he continues with that early form.
Ben Arfa today proved that he was less than concerned will Monday’s defeat stating that Newcastle’s ambition this season is to finish in the top five:
“Our objective is to finish top 10, and I hope we can finish top five. That will be tough, but I’m confident.” He told the Daily Star.
Newcastle have already beat the Hammers once this season – to the signing of Loic Remy, who happens to miss this game due to injury. The Irons will search for thing that has eluded them for so long that back to back win that would keep them near the top end of the table.
Team News:
Newcastle- the Magpies will be missing defensive pair Jonás Gutiérrez (hamstring) and Steven Taylor (suspended) and could be without influential midfielders Cheik Tiote and Yohan Cabaye.
West Ham- the Hammers have no fresh injury worries for their visit to Newcastle, only Andy Carroll and George McCartney remain missing for the Irons.
How to get there:
By supporter coach- Departs Upton Park at 6am.
By Train- an early start leaving kings cross for a 3 hour+ train journey to Newcastle at a very hefty cost of 100 pound+.
By road- At the end of the A1(M) continue on the A1 and then the A184 towards Newcastle. Continue along this road, bearing left onto the A189. Continue over the River Tyne on the Redheugh Bridge, from which the ground can be clearly seen. Carry on straight up the dual carriageway (St James Boulevard). This leads directly to the Gallowgate end of the ground. As the ground is so central there are a number of pay and display car parks in the vicinity. (Thanks to football grounds guide)
Where to drink: With Newcastle being one of the last grounds smack in the centre of the city, there are plenty of watering holes. Some like, the Lounge, O’Neill’s and head of steam only let away fans in with colours well and truly hidden. But you’re never too far away from a bar in Newcastle.
Bowdenwhu Predicts- Newcastle 1 West Ham United 1 (Downing)
Forever West Ham Predicts- A comfortable away win
Tweet me @Bowdenwhu
Come on you Irons!
Just remember our away win at QPR so make that 3 away wins last season. Sorry chaps.