AliousNewcastle United are hitting their stride and will look to continue their impressive form when they host West Ham United at St. James’ Park on Monday night. While the Premier League resumes this weekend after the international break, Newcastle fans will have to wait until the final match of the round to see Eddie Howe’s men in action.
The Magpies are aiming for a fourth consecutive victory, but there are concerns that the international break may have disrupted their momentum. Defender Dan Burn voiced his worry about losing their rhythm, though playing under the lights at St. James’ Park offers an ideal opportunity for Newcastle to pick up where they left off. Their opponents, West Ham United, are in dire need of a win, with manager Julen Lopetegui under mounting pressure following a lackluster start to the season.
A victory for Newcastle would not only extend their winning streak but also add to Lopetegui’s woes. Football pundit Paul Merson has confidently backed Newcastle to dominate the Hammers in this fixture.
### Merson’s Bold Prediction
Sharing his Premier League predictions for Sportskeeda, Merson highlighted Newcastle’s resurgence, noting their position just one point off third place. He believes West Ham are unlikely to pose a serious threat:
“Newcastle are really picking up momentum,” Merson stated. “They’ve won three on the trot, and I can see them making it four. If they start well, they’ll absolutely run riot.”
He criticized West Ham’s recent performances, including a heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest and a baffling win over Manchester United, saying, “I don’t even know how they managed to beat United! I worry for them under Lopetegui.”
Merson suggested that West Ham’s clash with Leicester in a few games will be a “cup final” for Lopetegui’s job. However, he gave little hope for a turnaround against Newcastle, predicting a dominant 3-0 victory for the hosts.
### Newcastle’s Edge in Recent Meetings
If Newcastle secures a 3-0 win, it would mark their most commanding home victory over West Ham since August 2017. The Magpies have had the upper hand in this matchup, winning five of their last 10 meetings, with the remaining fixtures resulting in four draws and just one defeat.
Last season’s encounter at St. James’ Park was a thriller, with Newcastle overturning a 3-1 deficit to win 4-3. Meanwhile, the reverse fixture ended in a 2-2 stalemate. History and current form both suggest Newcastle are firm favorites, aligning with Merson’s confident prediction.
### Challenges for Newcastle
Despite their strong position, Newcastle do have some concerns heading into the game. Dan Burn is suspended, and Emil Krafth remains sidelined with an injury. As a result, Lloyd Kelly is expected to step into the defense.
On a more positive note, Newcastle could welcome Callum Wilson back to the squad. Although he hasn’t featured this season, Wilson boasts an impressive scoring record against West Ham, having netted more goals against them than any other opponent in his career.
If Newcastle can maintain their recent form, they will further solidify their case as strong contenders for a top-four finish. For West Ham, however, the pressure on Lopetegui will only intensify if they fail to deliver a surprise result.
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