West Ham and Newcastle set for stalemate
Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle United have got hot at the right time. The Magpies are six points off the relegation zone, but recent results have improved their chances of staying in the Premier League for next term. Newcastle are unbeaten in five of their last six with four of those matches ending in wins.
Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over Burnley was one of their most confident performances this term. Benitez will hope it can continue at the London Olympic Stadium on Saturday.
West Ham are coming off of a 1-0 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. The Hammers held out well during the fixture repelling shot after shot from Manchester City. In the end, a Sergio Aguero’s 59th minute penalty was enough to give the Cityzens the victory.
Manuel Pellegrini is aiming for a rebound. The Hammers are in midtable of Premier League on 36 points. Despite being 11 points ahead of the relegation zone, Pellegrini won’t want an extended losing streak leading to a late-season relegation scrap.
West Ham have secured half of the 42 points possible at home this term. The Hammers have lost just once in their last six games at the London Olympic Stadium while compiling a +1-goal difference at home this term. Newcastle, on the other hand, have taken just 12 of 39 points possible on the road.
They have won once in their last six away fixtures while compiling a -6-goal difference on their travels this season. On paper, it would appear West Ham have the distinct advantage. However, Newcastle are in-form right now as they head into the final 10 games of the season.
Marko Arnautovic missed West Ham’s loss to Manchester City due to an illness. Andy Carroll could take Arnautovic’s place if he is once again fit to start. Midfielder Robert Snodgrass is back following a suspension.
Benitez is far more fortunate with his player selection. The manager will be able to select the same players he has called upon during the team’s good run of form. Jonjo Shelvey, Ki Sung-Yueng, and Mohamed Diame will have places on the bench as the in-form duo of Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden will most likely play ahead of them.
Newcastle’s form has been brilliant, but West Ham do play well at home. The two sides will cancel each other out on Saturday evening as the match ends in a stalemate. The clubs will fail to find many goals and the fixture will end with fewer than 2.5 goals scored.
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