Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: bet365
Newcastle United and West Ham are two teams that need to turn things around, and the sooner they do it, the better. After both clubs started their respective Premier League campaigns with consecutive defeats, they will meet in St. James’ Park this Saturday to see which team gets the first win of the season. Kick-off is schedule at 15:00 hrs BST.
Newcastle United
It is safe to say Newcastle United did not start the season as they would have liked. After an impressive year in the Championship, everyone thought the St. James Park – or well, Sports Direct Arena – outfit was set to return to the Premier League and recover the stature they lost a few years ago, but things have been the exact opposite for them. Rafa Benitez’s men have lost their first two games, and some experts are already tipping them as favourites to get back to the second tier next year. And sadly, the numbers do not look promising. Newcastle are one of five teams that are yet to score a goal, and the manager acknowledged a few days ago that “the squad had too many Championship-caliber players”. Winning at home would certainly be a good start to turn things around, though.
Team News
The Magpies are dealing with several absences ahead of this match. Paul Dummett (thigh), Florian Lejeune (ankle) and DeAndre Yedlin (muscular) are out due to injury. And Jonjo Shelvey is suspended after being sent off last week.
To make things more complicated, Dwight Gayle is doubtful due to illness. And the 26-year-old forward will require a late-fitness test to determine his availability for his pivotal contest.
West Ham United
Surprisingly, West Ham are even more complicated than Newcastle in the standings. The Hammers sit at the bottom of the table with two losses and seven goals allowed in the first two league matches. Slaven Bilic might become the first manager sacked this season if he doesn’t turn things around, but the new players need to respond as well. Marko Arnautovic remains the same hot-headed player he was at Stoke City, Javier Hernandez is yet to make an impact, and the whole squad looks out of sync at the moment. And while Newcastle have struggled thus far, West Ham had lots of problems away from home last season after compiling a 5W 5D 9L record on the road. Based on their start this season, they must do better. Will they begin their turnaround on Saturday?
Team News
The Hammers are not as depleted as Newcastle. However, they will have a fair share of injuries. Winston Reid has been ruled out due to a calf injury, and Arnautovic is suspended after he was sent off last week.
As if that wasn’t enough, West Ham could have two of their best players out of the starting XI. Andy Carroll (hip) and Manuel Lanzini (knee) are doubtful, and recent reports indicated both are unlikely to play Saturday.
Key Factors to Consider
- West Ham United compiled a 5W 5D 9L record on the road last season.
- Meanwhile, Newcastle registered 15 wins, three draws and only five losses at St. James Park in the Championship last season.
- Newcastle United are yet to score in the current Premier League campaign.
- West Ham have the worst defence in the league so far. They have allowed seven goals in just two games.
- West Ham could rule out two of their best players for this contest. Both Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll are doubtful, and will require late-fitness tests to determine their availability.
Conclusion
Both of West Ham’s matches this season have witnessed at least three goals, and Newcastle’s allowed two goals in their lone home game so far. Considering both teams have the need of getting the three points to start turning around, I believe we will see an open game. And we could easily have over 2,5 goals scored throughout the entire match.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: bet365
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