The Boleyn ground has been empty for the entire year as West Ham haven’t had a home fixture since 2013. Newcastle United are the first home opposition in 2014 for West Ham and the fixture takes place this afternoon.
Four away matches in a row and three defeats out of those. The latest was a priceless away victory versus Cardiff City and along with the return of Andy Carroll, West Ham’s confidence is on the rise. Newcastle have been in fine form for the large part of the season, however, they are currently on a four game losing streak in all competitions.
Supposed West Ham summer target – Loic Remy – has netted 10 goals for Newcastle this season. Yohan Cabaye and Yoan Gouffran have five and six goals respectively. Powerful wide-man Moussa Sissoko leads the way with assists for Newcastle with four, incidentally, the same amount as suspended skipper Kevin Nolan.
Carlton Cole signed a further contract extension at West Ham on Wednesday, and is the Hammers’ top goalscorer this term (4).
TEAM NEWS
Newcastle have a short absentee list when compared to West Ham. The Magpies will only be without Fabricio Collocini, Ryan Taylor (injuries) and Mathieu Debuchy (suspension). Right-back Debuchy has been a stand-out performer for Newcastle and will be missed against West Ham. Only one player from both sides has a better performance average than Debuchy, and that one player will also be missing from this fixture, that player is West Ham defender, Winston Reid.
West Ham’s absentee list is as impressive as it has been all season, but improving. Kevin Nolan and James Tomkins serve suspensions, whilst Joey O’Brien, Winston Reid, Guy Demel miss out through injury. Ricardo Vaz Te and James Collins are likely to miss the fixture after retuning from injuries, but lacking match fitness. Ravel Morrison may return to the bench, following injury.
LIKELY LINE-UPS
West Ham
Adrian – Rat Johnson Diarra McCartney – Noble Taylor – Jarvis Collison Downing – Cole
Newcastle
Krul – Yanga-Mbiwa Williamson Taylor Santon – Tiote Anita – Sissoko Cabaye Gouffran – Remy
PREDICTION
Both sides have been wishing for more lately, and West Ham have picked up only nine points from a possible 30 at home in the Premier League. Newcastle are yet to draw away from home (W5L5). If Newcastle get in their groove and utilise their pace and finishing ability, the Hammers may be in trouble. If West Ham show the fight and desire required to stay in the Premier League, then anything is possible. I’ll hope for the latter, and expect the worse.
The Hammers wouldn’t be too upset with a point against one of the sides away from the relegation battle, but will be hoping for back-to-back Premier League wins. Newcastle will be looking to end their losing streak with a win, however, a draw wouldn’t be too upsetting for them either. Therefore, I’ll sit on the fence and go with a score draw.
West Ham 1-1 Newcastle
