Newcastle v West Ham
English Premier League. Saturday December 1. Kick-off 3pm.
THERE'S no fog of gloom on the Tyne after Newcastle reeled off three straight wins to climb four points clear of the danger zone.
Even Matt Ritchie's miss of the season from two yards out in Monday night's clash at Burnley didn't end up costing them. And they're looking to extend their four-game unbeaten run by nailing down another three points against the Hammers.
Despite having his hands tied behind his back in the transfer market by penny-pinching owner Mike Ashley, Rafa Benitez is now getting a tune out of a squad that is far from brimming with quality and wouldn't lack out of place in the Championship.
The Spanish gaffer is a Magpies messiah and will be looking to devise a plan to outwit West Ham counterpart Manuel Pellegrini who splashed the cash in the summer but has little to show for it.
West Ham have the same 12-point haul as Newcastle after 13 games and have just one win in their last six matches.
They've been leaking goals too with their tally of one clean sheet this season the second-worst in the division behind Fulham.
The absence of injured playmakers Andriy Yarmolenko and Manuel Lanzini is a big blow. Marko Arnautovic, the Hammers' best player this season, and Jack Wilshere are also doubts although former Toon cult hero Andy Carroll is set to turn out against his former club after making the bench last week.
West Ham have a poor record at St James's Park, losing their last three visits, and another Newcastle win pays 29-20 at 888Sport who make the safer option of the Magpies draw no bet 8-11.
Benitez's side have kept just one clean sheet at home this season – a 1-0 win over Watford who had enough chances to rack up a cricket score – and the Hammers have netted in four of six away days so btts is decent value at 17-20 with 888Sport.
Newcastle are averaging 6.7 corners at home this season and the Hammers just 3.8 on their travels so try the Toon -1 flag-kick at 6-5 with 888Sport.
Recommended Bets
- Newcastle draw no bet (8-11, 888Sport)
- Both teams to score (17-20, 888Sport)
- Newcastle -1 corner handicap (6-5, 888Sport)
From @jstuhhs….
Two sides with identical records take on each other at St James Park Kick off 3-00 pm in the Premier League.
Both sides have played 13 games having won three drawn three and lost seven, however Newcastle’s there wins have come in the last three games and are on a good run of form. West Ham on the other hand have only won one game out of the last seven.
Newcastle went to Burnley last Monday and won 2-1 mainly due to a change in tactics from Rafa Benitez by playing three centre backs and two wing backs and in the end the Magpies deserved their win. With a fanatical home support and the return of Jonjo Shelvey and Salomon Randon ( both fully fit) I feel the home side will be difficult tp beat.
In the last two home games they have beat in form teams Watford 1-0 and Bournemouth 2-1.
West Ham’s last two away games have both ended 1-1 at Huddersfield and Leicester, the performance at Leicester better as they played over 50 minutes with ten men after Noble was red carded.
On the head to head front Newcastle have won the last three all games going over 2.5 goals. Newcastle won this fixture last year 3-0 however I feel this meeting will be a lot closer.
Recommended bets are
Newcastle to win 6/4 bet365
Over 2.5 goals 6/5 skybet
Rondon to score at any time 9/4 bet365