OPINION
West Ham United will no doubt want to return to winning ways when they take on Newcastle this weekend at St James’ Park, especially after being subjected to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Saturday.
They will be wanting to avenge this heavy loss but the Magpies stand in their way, a team who is now high on confidence after three consecutive wins lifted them seven points above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
Manuel Pellegrini will need to be wise in his selection for the starting XI, especially if he wants to spoil Newcastle’s party on their own turf – and it is expected he will make just two changes to the XI.
In goal, Lukasz Fabianski will start as normal, while the back four will retain their spots apart from Arthur Masuaku, who was woeful against City and failed to cope with the onslaught provided by Raheem Sterling – Pellegrini has had a tendency to chop and change the left-back role this season, and that should be no different against Newcastle.
Declan Rice will assume his usual position in the defensive midfield role, while Pedro Obiang is expected to keep his too, as it remains to be seen whether Pellegrini will want to risk playing Mark Noble who is capable of blowing hot and cold.
Grady Diangana was off the boil against City and did not look like his usual dazzling self, so Scottish international winger Robert Snodgrass – who is six foot [Transfermarkt] – can be expected to take his place on the right after returning to form this season.
Felipe Anderson will no doubt be expected to retain his place alongside Michail Antonio – and even though Marko Arnautovic limped off towards the end of the City game, he is more than likely to retain his place up front.
