This weekend the Premier League is in action for the penultimate week before the competition takes yet another break for the third round of international fixtures this season. One of the 3pm kick-offs on Saturday sees Newcastle United travel to London to take on West Ham in an interesting tie.
Neither of the sides are in particularly amazing form, with the home side going into it chasing a win to end their five-game run without one, whilst the Magpies travel to the capital for the third time this season with the aim of getting their third win of the season (Transfermarkt).
Steve Bruce’s side’s two wins so far have come against top-six sides Tottenham and Manchester United, and whilst West Ham don’t boast the same calibre of player as the Lilywhites or the Red Devils, they have got every chance of winning on the weekend if they’re at their best.
It’s a big game for both Bruce and West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini. Both of the managers will have their odds of being sacked shortened with a defeat given the pressure building on both of them so early in the season, but from a Newcastle point of view, this game can be approached without fear.
West Ham did the double over the Geordies last season in the Premier League by a 5-0 aggregate scoreline, but with the Hammers scoring just four goals in their last five games (Transfermarkt), this is as good a time as any to come up against the Irons.
Newcastle will have to be very good, but with a win away at The London Stadium, they can climb further away from the relegation zone, as they currently sit just one point above the drop zone. After this clash, the Magpies then face Bournemouth at home and a great chance to get six more points on the board going into the international break.