PARTIES are still raging across Tyneside after their sensational Champions League win over Paris St-Germain and it will be interesting to see if there's a hangover on the pitch when Newcastle return to Premier League action with a tricky trip to West Ham United.
I thought that glamour Euro clash with PSG might be cagey after the Magpies drew 0-0 in Milan but they blew the French champions away, with Fabian Schar's late clincher in that 4-1 triumph bringing up one of my bets at the death.
That continued the resurgence of Eddie Howe's side after a sticky start to the season and they're really starting to motor now, with five wins in their last six outings. Many people thought juggling Champions League football with domestic duties might damage Newcastle's Premier League form but they smashed eight past Sheffield United after returning from Milan.
Taking on West Ham United presents a much tougher task, though, and facing a Davie Moyes side is one of the last things you want to be doing after such a draining night in midweek.
The one positive for Newcastle is that West Ham also head into this game off the back of a European game, with the Hammers having a day less to recover after Thursday's trip to Freiburg in the Europa League.
Success in the Conference League last season probably kept Moyes in a job as the Hammers spent most of the season stuck in a relegation battle at the wrong end of the table.
But they're back in the upper reaches of the Premier League after a flying start this term with big guns Manchester City and Liverpool the only teams to have beaten West Ham so far this season.
Moyes looks to have recruited wisely after banking £100million from the sale of skipper Declan Rice and if his players can bring Newcastle back down to earth with a bump it will boost his standing further with a once-sceptical support.
How the bookies view it
This is a really difficult game to call with both teams coming off midweek matches in Europe so I'm surprised to see West Ham United as big as 5/2 with BetUK as they have home advantage. Newcastle's best price is just 23/20 at QuinnBet while the draw pays 14/5 at Bet365.
Recent head to head
Newcastle United romped to a 5-1 victory on their last visit to the London Stadium and have a good recent record against West Ham, losing just one of the last eight meetings. They are also unbeaten in their last four trips to West Ham's home, winning three of those games.
Players to watch
James Ward-Prowse has added an extra dimension to West Ham United's attack with his free-kick prowess and dead-ball delivery. The former Southampton midfielder is 4/1 at Unibet for anytime scorer but an assist is more likely at the same price with the same firm.
Anthony Gordon has been a big player for Newcastle this season after taking time to settle last term following his big-money move from Everton. The England Under-21 winger is 23/5 at Unibet for a goal but I've yet to see any prices for him to provide an assist.
Anything else catch the eye?
We saw six goals when Newcastle United last came to the London Stadium but I'm expecting this game to be much tighter. There's not much between these sides so the half-time draw appeals at 7/5 with 888Sport while McBookie price a one-goal win for either side at 13/10.
The last four meetings of these sides in London have seen the corner count hit double digits, with 13 on Newcastle's visit last term. Unibet price over 10.5 corners at 17/20 while over 5.5 West Ham flag kicks pays 57/50 with the same firm.
Edson Alvarez has added steel to West Ham United's midfield and the Mexican has been racking up yellow cards at an impressive rate. He has been booked in his last three Premier League outings and is 7/5 with Bet365 for another card here.
This English Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United will be played on Oct 8, 2023 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best West Ham United vs Newcastle United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
