Tight Game Predicted As Newcastle Travel to Upton Park

Recent poor performances from Newcastle has left them merely five points above the relegation zone, with 18th place Wigan having played one game less. This all important game against supposedly “safe” West Ham is a must-win fixture, as their final game against Champions League hopefuls Arsenal, is a tie that no one can call a guaranteed three points for Newcastle.

Meanwhile, The Hammers are ten points clear of the drop zone, but with mostly straightforward games left, they should feel fairly convinced of their team’s safety.

Not so much that Sam Allardyce will tell his team to slack off, of course. Nine points out of their last six matches, including tough games versus Liverpool, Man United and Man City, shows that the London outfit possess the nit and the grit to grind out tough fixtures, an ability that Newcastle are yet to show in the league.

All eyes will be on Hatem Ben Arfa, as he fights to regain full fitness, and make his first league start since he injured his hamstring in December. A known game changer, he might prove to be the difference in what should be a tight and tense match.

Andy Carroll also will be playing against his old team; it will be interesting to see what reception he gets from the travelling supporters, though my gut feeling is that it won't be pleasant.
Four goals and two assists in his last five appearances means that the Newcastle defence will have to improve from last week's shocker against Carroll's parent club, Liverpool.

Expect a strong, confident West Ham approach to the game, but no one is the wiser as to how Newcastle will play in this all-important Premier League tie.

Leander Winden (@LeanderWinden)