The Barclays Premier League has returned, with West Ham set to kick off their season away to Newcastle this Sunday. David Moyes’ men will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s dismal opening weekend defeat.
Date: 15/08/2021
Time: 2pm
Venue: St. James’ Park
Where to watch: Sky Sports
Match Preview:
Hammers fans have every right to be nervous, considering the disastrous showings against Newcastle last season. During the summer transfer window, little transfer activity at both clubs is casting grey clouds over the upcoming season for their respective supporters. However, a strong pre-season campaign for West Ham, including a 6-2 victory over Celtic and a hard-fought 2-0 win over Atalanta, suggest the players are in form and up for the challenge.
Both teams will be hoping for a win to secure the best possible start for the new season – though as West Ham proved last year, the opening game doesn’t necessarily forecast the season to come. Moyes will hope that West Ham’s attackers, particularly Said Benrahma, can continue their electric form and produce for him in the league.
West Ham Visit Newcastle for Season Opener | Match Preview
One matter of intrigue is whether new signing Alphonse Areola will make his competitive debut for the Hammers. However, it is looking likely that Lukasz Fabianksi will retain his starting spot between the sticks – for now.
Team News:
There are some injury doubts ahead of the match, with several players missing games in preseason through injury. The most important of these is Angelo Ogbonna, who was forced off after a hamstring injury during the Celtic game. Whilst he may be recovered in time for the game, he will likely be short of match fitness and, therefore, may not be risked.
Arthur Masuaku is also recovering from his knee problems, though he did feature for the under 23’s against Millwall and looks set to return to first-team action soon. Jarrod Bowen and Manuel Lanzini did sit out some games in preseason through injury, though these were only precautionary, meaning the pair will likely be available for selection.
Opposition Preview
Team news:
The Magpies will be without defender Paul Dummet and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Whilst this is a boost to West Ham, Karl Darlow is an able backup keeper. On the other hand, the Magpies’ star forwards Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin have recently returned to action and will be looking to start against West Ham. This will not be welcome news to Hammers fans, as Wilson has an affinity for scoring against us, and Saint-Maximin, on his day, is one of the most dangerous attackers in the league.
Recent form:
LLWDWW (Preseason Friendlies)
Newcastle had a mixed preseason, losing their first fixtures against York City and Harrogate Town. However, they did finish strongly with an impressive 3-0 victory over Premier League newcomers Norwich City which would have set them in good stead coming into this game. Their uptick in form came with the return of their key players.
West Ham Visit Newcastle for Season Opener | Match Preview
Key men:
Callum Wilson scored 12 goals and registered 5 assists despite only playing 26 games last season, highlighting what a threat he presents. He is certainly Newcastle’s most prolific player and has a history of scoring against West Ham – stopping him will be key.
Allan Saint-Maximin is another of Newcastle’s key attacking threats. A tricky winger who completed the third most successful dribbles in the 2020/21 season, the attacker terrorized the West Ham defense last time out.
Match Prediction:
Newcastle 1 – 2 West Ham
West Ham has shown in preseason that they can defeat some of the very best teams in Europe and will surely be confident of defeating Newcastle. However, Steve Bruce sets his side up to be very defensive and tough to beat, a style that the Hammers found hard to overcome last season, as demonstrated by the two losses the Magpies inflicted on them.
With Ogbonna likely out, a clean sheet may be harder to come by, especially when facing Wilson, though I predict that Moyes’ squad will have just enough to get this one over the line. Either way, the first goal will be crucial and could potentially decide the outcome of the match.