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How Newcastle should set up for the Hammers

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Newcastle United have an opportunity to go nine points clear of the relegation zone when they welcome West Ham United to St. James’ Park in the 12:30 kick off.

The hammers are amongst the form sides in the division and are hunting a place in the top four so picking up another win will be easier said than done.

The magpies do have the ability to get something as was shown in the season opener where they ran out fully deserved 2-0 winners against the irons.

The back five has become a bone of contention with many Toon fans, but I feel that it is the best way to go for this one. We saw how well it worked against Spurs and Newcastle created way more chances than the Londoners.

Steve Bruce kept the system for the Burnley game which was the wrong decision and had it not been for the brilliance of Allan Saint-Maximin, we would have lost that game comfortably.

However, against West Ham it may well work. The run that they are on will mean confidence is high and Newcastle will have some defending to do but this set up is tailor made for counter attacking.

If you can get Saint-Maximin, Wilson and Almiron high up the pitch to counter, that is a threat that has potential to strike fear into any side in the division regardless of current form and standing in the table.

Also, this formation will mean Jacob Murphy will keep his place and he has shown brilliantly that he can also be a threat going froward from the right wing position.

Building on that point, my main concern when it comes to the five at the back is it being a flat wall of defence but when you Matt Ritchie and Murphy on either side, you get two hard working players that aren’t afraid to put a shift in and you also get attacking knowhow. Both can cross a ball into the box which adds another bow to the side.

Despite their hot run, West Ham have conceded seven goals in their last three which shows they do still have a vulnerability, if we can hold firm at the other end and look to hit on the counter, there may just well be an opportunity to all but confirm our Premier League status for next season.

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