On September 14th, Newcastle United travel to Upton Park to take on West Ham United. After some big summer signings from both sides this summer, they were both looking to go and make improvements this season. Â West Ham have had an inconsistent start, but have shown some signs that they are consolidating themselves into a top half team. Newcastle, on the other hand, have got off to a very poor start and will need to improve quickly. Â The Magpies probably need this result more, but with West Ham’s horrible start at home, they’ll be looking for all three points here.
Team News
As they usually do nowadays, Newcastle United have quite a few injuries to deal with. Â Sylvain Marveaux, Paul Dummett, Curtis Good, and Emmanuel Riviere will all be missing through long term injuries. Â Mike Williamson is on his way back from injury and his status for the match is up in the air. Â They’ll also be without Aleksander Mitrovic as he serves his ban for his straight red card against Arsenal.
West Ham also have quite a few long term injuries to deal with. Â Andy Carroll continues to be consistently injured and will miss out as he is still recovering from his MCL injury. Â They’ll also be without new signing Alex Song and Enner Valencia through long term injuries. Â Mauro Zarate could be fit, but is unlikely to play for precautionary reasons. Â Joey O’Brien looks like he’ll be fit to be in the squad for this one.
Interesting Statistics
- At least one of these two sides have kept a clean sheet in six of the last seven meetings between the two sides.
- Newcastle have scored the joint fewest goals in the league this season.
- On the flip side, West Ham have scored the second most goals in the Premier League with nine goals in their first four matches.
- West Ham are yet to get a point at Upton Park this season.
Key Men
West Ham: Dimitri Payet
West Ham’s big signing this summer was Frenchman Dimitri Payet and, so far, he’s delivered for them.  The Frenchman has been the most creative player for the Hammers this season with a chance created every 39 minutes.  He’s also completed four more take ons than any other West Ham player this season.  West Ham wanted to elevate the quality of their squad this summer, and if there’s one player that has undoubtedly done that so far it’s Dimitri Payet.
Newcastle United: Georginio Wijnaldum
Newcastle have had a very difficult start to this season. Â As a team, they’ve struggled to create a lot this season. Â The one player that has looked like he’s going to do something has been Georginio Wijnaldum. Â The Dutchman has been the teams leading creator, and he is tied for their top dribbler this season. Â Despite playing in a team that has looked very limited going forward, he’s been able to make a pretty good impression.
Betting Tips
Home Win: 6/5 with bwin
Away Win: 12/5 with Bet365
Draw: 12/5 with Ladbrokes
Prediction
Despite West Ham’s struggles at home this season, I see them coming away with the victory. Â They’ve shown that the can play some decent football at times this season, while Newcastle have looked unlikely to score for most of the season. Â I think the Hammers will grind out their first home victory of the season.
Prediction: 2-0 West Ham
