Ray Winstone admits stupid new West Ham United prediction v Newcastle
Ray Winstone has backed West Ham to beat Newcastle United on Monday, admitting that “Stupidity” was likely behind his reasoning.
Speaking on talkSPORT with Jeff Stelling (25 November, 8:38am), the actor said that despite the Irons being in a poor spell of form under Julen Lopetegui, he has a hunch that they can win at St. James’ Park.
The lifelong Hammers fan also expressed his lack of confidence in Lopetegui having the tactical nous to turn things around in East London, adding that a win could fortify his place in the dugout.
Winstone said: “I kind of fancy we might get something up there tonight.”
Asked to explain his verdict by Stelling, he replied: “Stupidity I guess.
“I think they can be quite vulnerable. I’ve got a feeling we might just turn them over tonight, and that kind of puts another nail in our coffin, in a way.”
West Ham United look miles off a victory at Newcastle
As Lopetegui’s Hammers head north for their first match after the international break, few travelling fans will have confidence that their out-of-form side will come away from St. James’ Park with three points.
Unless Lopetegui makes significant changes to the setup which has seen his team pick up just three wins from their opening 11 matches, Newcastle will see that the Irons are there for the taking.
Such changes are needed in midfield most of all, which has been the hub of many problems identified by fans and pundits alike; failing to provide the link between a leaky defence and underperforming attack.
The Irons’ last away game saw them thumped 3-0 by Nottingham Forest and they followed that up with a dismal 0-0 draw with Everton at home, and it’s difficult to see where a revival will come from.
With Monday’s match shaping up to be crucial for deciding the future of Lopetegui in the London Stadium dugout [David Ornstein, 12 November], the Hammers boss needs to realise sooner than later that he is under serious pressure.
In other West Ham news, Robbie Fowler gave his verdict on Lopetegui’s impact at the London Stadium ahead of facing Newcastle.
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