West Ham United have won just once in their last seven games in all competitions heading into tomorrow’s away clash against in-form Newcastle United. The Magpies have won three on the bounce and are level on points with the Hammers. Their excellent form along with the lack of injury concerns has resulted in many backing the home side to get all 3 points tomorrow.
But the squad Pellegrini has assembled is capable of putting up a fight against any team and despite the injury concerns, the Chilean will believe they can stop Newcastle’s winning run.
Manchester City came away with a 4-0 win from the London Stadium last week but it was a bittersweet experience for the spectators. The scoreline obviously took care of the ‘bitter’ part but the fight, desire and the mentality shown by the players throughout the match bodes well for the future and laid out the compromises Pellegrini is not willing to make in his quest for results.
This approach will certainly pay dividends, especially when a number of key players return to the fold.
TEAM NEWS
Marko Arnautovic has been passed fit by the manager despite not being able to complete 90 minutes last weekend with the home team already out of substitutions. But he has trained throughout the week without any complications and is expected to feature from the start.
Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll are close to regaining full fitness and could feature on Saturday.
Carlos Sanchez, Ryan Fredericks, Winston Reid, Manuel Lanzini and Andriy Yarmolenko are long-term absentees.
PREDICTED WEST HAM UNITED LINEUP VS NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-1-4-1)
DEFENCE
Lucas Fabianski will start in goal. The Polish international has had a tough month and will be desperate to keep a clean sheet at St James Park.
Pablo Zabaleta will start tomorrow though Pellegrini has signalled that he will rotate the veteran Argentine over the festive period. Arthur Masuaku had a mare against City and is likely to surrender his place to Aaron Cresswell.
In central defence, we expect to see the duo of Balbuena and Issa Diop. The duo will have to keep the likes of Rondon and Perez quiet if the Hammers are to turn their fortunes around.
MIDFIELD
Declan Rice will sit in front of the defence and will look to continue his excellent form.
Mark Noble might have to settle for a role on the bench once again. Robert Snodgrass will return from suspension and might slot back into midfield immediately. Pedro Obiang will start alongside him in central midfield.
We expect a change on the right-wing with Antonio likely to replace Diangana while Felipe Anderson will continue on the left.
ATTACK
Marko Arnautovic has been deemed fit to play and should lead the attack once more.
