Newcastle United v West Ham United

Newcastle go into this must win home game with stress and strife both on and off the pitch. Injuries to several key players mean that once more they will be fielding a depleted side with hints of a possible start for striker Andy Carroll, his first under Kinnear. Add to this the media frenzy of the will he/won’t he sale of Given must surely bring about a tough challenge.

West Ham make the long trip up from the east of London looking to record a fourth straight win in all competitions. Unlike Newcastle, West Ham have a problem accommodating all there fit players with Parker coming back from suspension and Neill overcoming injury the competition is high.

The match throws up many an interesting fact amongst them being the game is Newcastle’s 300th Premier League game at St James’ and West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami had won 55 free-kicks – more than any other Premier League player.

Written by Localhero