West Ham host Newcastle United on opening day of the Premier League season at the London Stadium. Both teams fought relegation last season and the respective managers will aim for better this term.
David Moyes took over West Ham in midseason and guided them to a 16th-place finish. West Ham ended just five points ahead of the bottom three.
Newcastle United ended the 2019-20 campaign in 13th place and 10 points above the bottom three. Steve Bruce’s team found consistency late in the season enabling them to end the term comfortably.
The Magpies ended the season having smashed their expected points total of 31.92 with an actual total of 44. Newcastle United were unbeaten in two games against West Ham last term. The Magpies claimed a 3-2 victory at the London Stadium. They followed up that victory with a 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park.
Moyes has had more time with his players. Manuel Pellegrini started the season as coach last term. It is possible with Moyes as coach and with an offseason under his belt, the Scotsman could lead West Ham to more success.
West Ham signed Tomas Soucek to a permanent contract in the offseason. He is listed on West Ham’s injury list due to COVID-19. Soucek is self-isolating and is ruled out of the game. Midfielder Manuel Pellegrini is a doubt due to a thigh strain.
The Hammers are still in the market to sign players. The transfer window doesn’t close until October 5. A good start could help Moyes bring in some new players.
Bruce has a host of injuries once more. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is ruled out of the game along with defender Fabian Schar. Defender Paul Dummett, Ciaran Clark, and Dwight Gayle are also ruled out.
New signings Callum Wilson and Jamal Lewis should get a chance to play. Both are in line to make their Newcastle United debuts. Fellow offseason signing Ryan Fraser is a doubt due to a lack of match fitness.
West Ham are unbeaten in five of their last 10 games against Newcastle United. Four of those five matches ended in wins. Six of the last seven games between the two teams ended with over 2.5 goals scored. That includes both games last term.
#FPL is back! 🙌📋 Check out our Hammer's guide to the 2020/21 season...— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 10, 2020
#FPL is back! 🙌📋 Check out our Hammer's guide to the 2020/21 season...
Saturday’s game is likely to see over 2.5 goals scored by the clubs along with both teams scoring. West Ham should pick up another victory versus Newcastle United. The Hammers will get off to a good start with the aim of putting last season’s struggles behind them.