NEWCASTLE UNITED will be looking to continue their charge towards Champions League qualification with a win over West Ham United at St James’ Park on Saturday evening.
The Magpies have been flying high in the Premier League this season and look like genuine contenders to secure a much-coveted top-four finish.
Having said that, Eddie Howe’s team have shared the spoils in three of their last four league games, so they will be keen to get a maximum return on the board this weekend.
The Toon will certainly be buoyed heading into this tussle after sealing their place in the EFL Cup final with a 2–1 win over Southampton on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, West Ham were also successful when on domestic cup duty last time out, as they earned a 2-0 win at Derby County in the FA Cup
That victory followed a vital 2-0 win over Everton in the Premier League a fortnight ago, so David Moyes will be hoping that pair of successes will act as a springboard for the Hammers' season.
Outright Betting
Newcastle, who have not lost a Premier League home game since last April, enter their latest St James’ Park assignment as 8/13 (Bet 365) favourites.
West Ham emerged victorious from this venue last season but the same outcome on Saturday is an unfancied 11/2 (William Hill) while the draw is also deemed unlikely at 14/5 (Bet 365).
Betting Angles
Here, I think the hosts are if anything a tad short, but merging Newcastle to win and under five match goals will bring about a backable 20/23 (Bet 365) play.
As already alluded to, the Magpies have been a force to be reckoned with this season, particularly when going about their business at their St James’ Park home.
Eddie Howe’s men have avoided defeat in each of their 14 outings in front of their own supporters this season so far, winning on nine of those occasions across all competitions..
It’s also worth pointing out that eight of those nine victories have featured four goals or fewer, and I suspect a similar outcome could be in store here when hosting a West Ham side that are suffering from long-term travel sickness in the top flight.
David Moyes’ men have claimed top honours in only four of their last 24 Premier League games outside of the London Stadium, with two of those victories coming against teams that were relegated last season.
What’s more, each of the Hammers’ seven away losses in the top-flight this term have gone under the 4.5 goal barrier, so siding with the same selection here stands out at 20/23 (Bet 365).
Elsewhere, I'll also take the 10/11 on offer with PaddyPower for Newcastle's Callum Wilson to either score or assist.
The Newcastle number nine has scored more goals against West Ham than he has against any other Premier League side, and I suspect the Toon attacker could add to that tally here against a team that have kept their sheets clean just once in 10 league matches away from home this season so far.
This English Premier League match between Newcastle United and West Ham United will be played on Feb 4, 2023 and kick off at 17:30. Check below for our tipsters best Newcastle United vs West Ham United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
