West Ham United travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Sunday, as David Moyes aims to begin the new Premier League campaign on a high.
The Hammers had a great 2020-21 campaign, finishing sixth on the table qualify for the Europa League. They will head into Sunday’s game having enjoyed a solid pre-season, winning five and drawing two of their games.
In this same fixture last season, the ten men of West Ham United side were beaten 3-2 that debatably cost them a place in the Champions League. So, West Ham United will be up for the challenge this time around against Steve Bruce’s side.
Team News
West Ham United haven’t done much business in the summer transfer window, adding goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on an initial season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain so far.
Angelo Ogbonna is a touch-and-go for the Hammers’ opener at St James’ Park since picking up a hamstring injury against Celtic in late July. Arthur Masuaku continues to work on his fitness with an individual management with hopes he can make himself available for selection in the coming weeks.
The Hammers received a big boost last weekend when Jarrod Bowen returned to the bench against Atalanta after missing the Brentford friendly at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Meanwhile, Manuel Lanzini was left out of the Atalanta game as a precaution, and considering it is not serious is in contention to face the Magpies.
Predicted West Ham United lineup vs Newcastle United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski was an undisputed first-choice in goal last season and is certain to start West Ham United’s season opener against Newcastle.
Defence
Vladimír Coufal was one of the consistent performers for the Hammers last season, impressing with his energy, tenacity and crossing ability. He’ll start at right-back.
While Aaron Cresswell excelled in a three-man defence, the likely absence of Ogbonna would see Moyes revert to a back four on Sunday. This could see Cresswell play in his original position at left-back.
Issa Diop and Craig Dawson started as a pair in central defence in West Ham’s final friendly against Atalanta and are likely to make the West Ham United lineup against Newcastle too.
Midfield
Predicted West Ham United Lineup vs Newcastle United
West Ham skipper Declan Rice is one of the best in his positions, and after a solid Euro 2020 campaign, he’ll look to start the new campaign on a high. Partnering Rice in the middle of the park will be Tomas Soucek, who was a revelation in his first full season at the London Stadium.
Pablo Fornals is likely to get the free role ahead of Rice and Soucek. The Spaniard will look to cut open the Newcastle defence with his creative passing and link-up play.
Attack
Andriy Yarmolenko has the tendency to drift away from games but could get the nod ahead of Bowen on the right flank. Said Benrahma is a creative winger who’ll aim to use his pace, invention and movement to cause all kinds of problems to the hosts’ backline.
Leading West Ham’s attack will be Michail Antonio, who after an impressive pre-season could prove a real handful to contain for Newcastle on Sunday. He should complete the West Ham United lineup.