Premier League: Crucial Points Up for Grabs Between West Ham and Newcastle

West Ham United vs Newcastle United

Two clubs at the opposite sides in the Premier League table have the same agenda, which is to grab as much points as they can for their respective campaigns. That is the case for both West Ham and Newcastle when they’ll meet once more this Saturday evening at the London Stadium.

For the hosts, they are well-aware of how pivotal this game will be since it would help determine their fate this season. The Hammers are in the chasing pack for the fourth and final Champions League berth, which is currently held by Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are in a much better place compared to where they were earlier this season. Because of their improved Premier League 2022 results, the Magpies are four points clear from the drop zone, placing 17^th with 21 points.

Here at SBOTOP, we expect another competitive encounter between these two sides despite their disparity in the standings, so read on below for preview of this matchup.

Talking Points

West Ham United’s job is far from done

David Moyes has his work cut out for him in trying to guide the Hammers back to the Champions League. Just like most teams here in the Premier League, West Ham must overcome their share of injuries and off-the-pitch drama.

West Ham have some injury issues as defenders Angelo Ogbonna and Arthur Masuaku are both out for the long-term while Jarrod Bowen has picked up a knock, although he’s available this weekend.

Bowen is a coveted commodity in the transfer market since he has been playing his best ball lately. The Leominster-born forward scored seven goals in his last seven appearances in all competitions for West Ham, and he is their top scorer with 12 goals and nine assists.

Other than Bowen, the Hammers have other weapons up front in Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma, Manuel Lanzini, and Pablo Fornals – who all have accounted for 23 goals and 18 assists so far.

But their backline depth is a concern if they’ll ever going to make it to the Top 4. With Ogbonna and Masuaku sidelined, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop have to play longer minutes than expected.

Kurt Zouma, who’s embroiled in scrutiny following his viral video where he abused his pet cat, is a big if for the Hammers. The Frenchman had an illness against Leicester City and his availability against Newcastle is uncertain. 

Newcastle United’s other new recruits must step up

Things are coming together for Eddie Howe and co. after a tumultuous start to their season. The Magpies are poised to make their great escape out of the relegation zone for good, but a couple more hurdles are in their way.

Newcastle were dealt with a huge blow last week when January signing Kieran Trippier suffered a fractured foot after scoring the match winner in their game against Aston Villa. The former Atletico man also scored in last week’s victory over Everton.

With him sidelined, this means more opportunities for the other new recruits to shine. Chris Wood, Matt Targett, Dan Burn, and Bruno Guimaraes all going to be key over their next run of games.

History

Newcastle are feeling confident about their chances this weekend since they’ve won their last two Premier League away games against West Ham United.

Should they win, it’ll be the first time ever in their league history that they’ve won three straight. Overall, they’ve won in 10 Premier League road matches against West Ham – which is the most in their history.

At the same time, a win would stretch the Magpies’ streak to four consecutive league games – which is their longest since April 2018.

However, West Ham are aiming for a league double over Newcastle for just the third time ever. The only times that they did so were back in 1998/99 and 2018/19.

Their reverse fixture earlier this season resulted to a 4-2 victory by West Ham where six different goalscorers in Callum Wilson, Jacob Murphy, Aaron Cresswell, Said Benrahma, Tomas Soucek, and Michail Antonio were featured.

Betting Tip

	West Ham United vs Newcastle United	West Ham United Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.26
	February 19, 20:30 (GMT+8)

West Ham United are the favoured side to win, according to the updated Premier League 2022 odds. The Hammers are pegged at 1.69 to win, while Newcastle United are priced at 4.70 and a draw is at 3.75 in the 1X2 market.

While Newcastle United’s winning streak has been a pleasant surprise, we’re backing West Ham to put an end to their run and remind them why the Hammers are the better side at the first place.

 

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