(Credit: Imago)

Cameron Smith

Fri 15 May 2026 12:10, UK

West Ham United are desperate to return to winning ways on Sunday when they travel to Newcastle.

The Hammers suffered a damaging defeat last weekend as Leandro Trossard struck a late winner for Arsenal before Callum Wilson’s stoppage-time effort was ruled out for a foul on David Raya.

As a result, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side remain in the bottom three.

They were handed a lifeline on Monday, however, as rivals Tottenham were held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds United.

With the gap at two points, the Irons need to pick up all three on Tyneside.

Nuno goes back to basics with West Ham lineup vs Newcastle

Switching to a back five seemed the right move last time out against the title-chasing Gunners, given their quality.

However, the same approach cannot be repeated this weekend, with a much more attack-minded setup needed against a struggling Newcastle side.

With this in mind, Nuno could opt for a return to the back-four formation that has served him well since the turn of the year.

Reverting to basics would see Jean-Clair Todibo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both drop out, with the latter a more defensive option better suited to last week’s clash with Arsenal. Kyle Walker-Peters could come in for him.

Replacing Todibo, Callum Wilson could return to the side to make his first start since March to round off the two changes.

Given Pablo’s ongoing West Ham struggles, Nuno could also opt for a two-striker formation, with Taty Castellanos operating in a freer role behind Wilson, who possesses the experience needed to potentially drag the Hammers out of trouble.

Castellanos has worked tirelessly since his January move from Lazio, though he is far from the kind of number nine who will score week in and week out.

Playing him alongside the ageing Wilson could help both of them, with the former Newcastle forward no longer able to bully defenders as he once did.

West Ham are in need of a big Chelsea favour

For rivals Tottenham, it has been a dismal season, with the Lilywhites dragged into a relegation battle.

In any other year, this would have been a time for Hammers fans to rejoice, but that is certainly not the case this term, with the two London clubs going head-to-head for a place in the top flight.

Due to the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City on Saturday, Spurs’ fixture against the Blues has been moved to the following Tuesday – a match that could define the outcome of the season for both West Ham and Tottenham.

With Tuesday’s clash in mind, Nuno and his side could be handed one final lifeline, though they need the West Londoners to take victory.

As a result, the battle could go to the final day, with the Hammers taking on Leeds at home.

A win against Newcastle could lift the Irons out of the bottom three until Tottenham face Chelsea, and potentially keep them out until the final day.