As the cold weather sets in we are reminded that the last time West Ham fans saw a win at The London Stadium, it was also cold. It was February, 27 against a now relegated Leicester City team. Final score was 2-0 and the team was riding high, having just won three matches in a row. As they host Newcastle United in a crucial Premier League matchweek 10 showdown on Sunday, fans also remember that one of the best games under former manager Julen Lopetegui came in November, also beating them 2-0. Under the watchful eye of new head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, the Hammers are desperate for his first victory, while Eddie Howe's Magpies grapple with a barren away record that's left them punching below their weight on the road.
West Ham's season has been a tale of two halves so far: solid enough on the road but woefully ineffective at home, where they've failed to secure three points in their opening league fixtures. Nuno, who took the reins earlier this month amid a rocky start under Graham Potter, has yet to steady the ship. A win here could propel the Irons out of the relegation zone breathing fresh life into a squad in dire need of attacking solutions.
Fresh off a morale-boosting 2-0 Carabo Cup triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in midweek—thanks to goals from Fabian Schar and a resolute backline—the Magpies sit comfortably in the upper echelons of the Premier League. In that match, Newcastle asserted their muscle and bullied Tottenham all over the pitch.
If there is one positive for West Ham, its that Newcastle have suffered away from St. James Park. In fact, they have been winless all season. Just the kind of motivation West Ham needs. It also means that the Hammers can pounce if they play this right. Which means they’d have to be as fast and physical as Newcastle will be. Another advantage is that they will be playing 3 games in 7 days and will naturally lean on some of their bench players to give some of their regular starters a rest.
Team News: Injuries Test Depth on Both Sides
West Ham's medical room remains a revolving door. Centre-back Konstantino Mavropanos is sidelined with a leg injury picked up against Brentford on October 20, while young full-back Ollie Scarles undergoes surgery for a broken collarbone sustained at Leeds. German striker Niclas Füllkrug has missed the last two matches with his own leg issue, thrusting more responsibility onto Jarrod Bowen, who's netted three goals and provided an assist in nine appearances despite a patchy run of form. Midfielder George Earthy is back in U21 action after a training setback, offering Nuno a timely squad boost.
Newcastle's woes are concentrated at the back. DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa nurses a knee problem, and England full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are unlikely to feature, potentially forcing Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth into action. Callum Wilson could make a sentimental start against his former club, while October Player of the Month Malick Thiaw eyes a return alongside Dan Burn in defense after Schar's midweek heroics.
One man to watch will be forward Callum Wilson. He will be facing his former team for the first time, which may add additional motivation to an attack that has struggled all season long. Wilson isn’t guaranteed to start versus his former squad, but Nuno would be foolish not to use this aging veteran for a bit of payback. Look for Igor Julio to get his first start of the season after a bad performance by Jean-Clair Todibo.
“Many of the players on the team know they are performing under their own quality,” Nuno said during his pre-match press conference. “So we are focusing really hard on individual development. Once we do that then we can connect one to another and they’ll play better together.”
Fans decided to boycott the last match at home, its expected that some will return and the atmosphere will still be tepid. “It’s a reality,” Nuno said about the fans boycotting. “We want the fans to come back and create the noise that we need, but its up to us and its why we are committed to start strong and compete.”