Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham have endured a difficult start to the season, securing only three league victories, and reports indicate growing pressure on the manager to keep his job. On the other hand, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have hit a strong run of form, winning three games in a row. A win tonight would lift the Magpies to 6th place, just two points behind second-place Manchester City.
Despite West Ham’s struggles, Howe remains cautious about the challenge they pose: “West Ham are always a tough opponent for us. Historically, games against them have been difficult. They’ve recruited well over the summer, and their squad is full of talented players. They have some real attacking threats, with Jarrod Bowen, who recently impressed for England, being one of their standout forwards.”
Newcastle’s recent success is partly due to a tactical shift by Howe, moving Joelinton to the wing and featuring Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in the forward line. While this adjustment has led to positive results, it has meant Harvey Barnes has had to settle for a place on the bench.
Barnes, whose late brace from the bench secured a dramatic 4-3 win over West Ham last season, has earned a reputation as a ‘super sub’. However, Howe was quick to dismiss this label, praising the winger’s overall contributions: “Harvey is much more than a super sub. Yes, he’s made valuable contributions coming off the bench, but his impact goes beyond that. His role in our comeback against West Ham last year was pivotal, and without his mentality and performance, we wouldn’t have won.”
Howe also expressed his desire to give Barnes more regular game time: “He’s a top player with a proven goalscoring ability, and I would love to find a way to integrate him into the team more consistently. That will depend on Harvey continuing to perform well.”
Newcastle will be missing two players for tonight’s match: Dan Burn, who is suspended for one match, and Emil Krafth, who will be out for the remainder of the festive period due to a broken collarbone.
