Chris Sutton backs Newcastle United for a 2024 first in clash v West Ham
Chris Sutton believes Newcastle United will record three consecutive victories for the first time in 14 months with a win against West Ham United on Monday.
The Hammers will travel to St James’ Park [25 November] for their first fixture after the international break with Julen Lopetegui heading into another must-win clash after the 0-0 draw against Everton.
According to Opta, Newcastle have not won three matches on the bounce since September 2023, having won back-to-back games six times since then.
However, Sutton believes Newcastle will produce a repeat of the 4-3 win against West Ham which subsequently cost David Moyes a contract extension, as he offered his Premier League predictions for BBC Sport [21 November].
He said: “It feels to me like Southampton’s Russell Martin is the manager who is closest to the edge at the moment but West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is probably not too far behind him.
“I was at this game last season, when Newcastle won 4-3 after being 3-1 down, and it was probably one of the results that meant Lopetegui’s predecessor, David Moyes, was not offered a new deal.
“I think Hammers fans have been underwhelmed by what they’ve seen since Lopetegui arrived, because it is not working out under him. As I’ve said before, I don’t quite know what kind of team they are trying to be.
“I don’t see them getting any joy at St James’ Park this time, either. Alexander Isak looked back to his best when Newcastle beat Forest last time out, and they should be too strong for West Ham too. Prediction: 2-1.”
Julen Lopetegui could be facing his final match at West Ham United
Lopetegui is living on borrowed time at West Ham; the results of the upcoming fixtures will ultimately decide his tenure in East London.
According to The Guardian [20 November], the Hammers board have begun internal talks regarding the Spaniard’s future and will decide after the match against Arsenal.
However, the boss may not be allowed to oversee the clash at the London Stadium in over a week, should Eddie Howe’s side take apart the visitors at St James’ Park.
The Magpies welcomed a trio of regular starters back to the first-team fold over the international break, with Kieran Trippier, Anthony Gordon and Callum Wilson back in training. The latter, in particular, loves playing against the Hammers.
Wilson has scored 12 goals in his last 14 outings against the East London outfit, a stark contrast to Michail Antonio’s record against the upcoming opponents.
The Jamaican international has found himself as a regular starter under Lopetegui while Niclas Fullkrug remains on the sidelines, but Lopetegui may be forced to switch the game plan. Antonio has been on the winning side once in 11 meetings with Newcastle and one in 13 outings against Arsenal.
West Ham have struggled to consistently find the back of the net all season, and they will enter this contest as clear second favourites to an improving Newcastle side.
Lopetegui’s future is looking bleak – he has well and truly lost the dressing room at the London Stadium, and seemingly there is no way back for the manager.
Should Howe’s side do what is expected on Monday, West Ham may have no choice but to finally put the Spaniard out of his misery.
In other West Ham news, Hammers target Chris Rigg’s preferred destination has been shared amid a £30m update.
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