Newcastle vs West Ham tips and predictions: Goals galore as European contenders meet

It's been a difficult season for those on Tyneside, but the Toon still have a chance of salvaging something from a campaign that has seen the Geordies land back down to Earth with a giant bump. 

Now languishing in tenth, the Magpies are still only four points behind Saturday's opponents, West Ham who are seventh, and whoever finishes there will more than likely secure European football next season. 

The Hammers have been pretty inconsistent themselves over recent times, a torrid run of form at the start of the New Year saw them slip down the table, but they have bounced back in recent weeks and are unbeaten in four league matches.

They will be looking to extend their good form and also dent the hopes of one of their rivals, as they look to secure a fourth consecutive European campaign.

Their recent record against Newcastle in the Premier League does not make good reading though, winning just once in their last nine meetings.

But West Ham will be breathing a sigh of relief that Callum Wilson is not available for selection, as Newcastle's number nine has scored 12 Premier League goals against the Hammers, which makes up 14% of his overall Premier League tally.

There's always goals when these two meet, with both teams scoring in eight of their last nine meetings, so both teams to score in this one is worth a punt.

That selection is backed up by the fact that Newcastle have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 league matches, while the Hammers have been leaky at the back too, conceding 17 goals in their last seven league matches.

Both sides have great attacking threats, with Alexander Isak and Jarrod Bowen both hitting double figures already.

Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon has been on song for the Toon this term and has scored in seven of his last 10 league games at St. James' Park and backing him to score again would be a shrewd move against a leaky West Ham defence.

It's a close game to call and with three of the last four meetings between these two sides ending in draws, opting with a score draw is worth a bet.

Emma's offer: Newcastle v West Ham - Bet £10, get £5 free bet if West Ham lead at HT

 

Team news

Joelinton, Sven Botman, Callum Wilson and Nick Pope are all ruled out of this one, while Tino Livramento, Harvey Barnes and Kieran Trippier are all doubtful for the hosts.

Sandro Tonali is still absent as a result of a suspension for gambling.

Edson Alvarez is suspended for two matches after accumulating 10 yellow cards, while Maxime Cornet and Mohammed Kudus are doubtful.

 

Key stats: 

- Alexander Isak has scored three goals in two appearances against West Ham

- Newcastle have only kept one clean sheet in their last 11 league outings

- West Ham have won only one of their last nine against the Magpies

- West Ham have not kept a clean sheet in the league since January 2

 

Suggested bets

Match result: draw

Both teams to score

Anthony Gordon to score in 90 mins