
Sunday's early kick off comes from East London with West Ham hosting Newcastle United. Betting tipster Matthew O'Regan has his best bets and predictions.
The tide does not seem to be turning for Nuno Espírito Santo in East London. Having lost to Brentford and Leeds in the space of just four days last week, crisis has officially swept the streets surrounding the London Stadium. West Ham now find themselves enduring their worst ever start to a league season.
Nuno’s side’s inability to defend set pieces and lack of athleticism, particularly in the middle of the park, has begun to cause a host of problems. A midfield pairing of Tomas Soucek and Andy Irving, coupled with full backs playing on their opposite sides, has left fans scratching their heads at what exactly Nuno is trying to achieve. The Portuguese coach has his work cut out as he attempts to galvanise a defence that has already conceded 20 league goals this season — the most in the top flight.
Callum Wilson finally made his first appearance under Nuno last Friday and may be in contention for a start this weekend against his former club. West Ham are desperate to end a six-game winless run that has seen them score just three goals, and Wilson could be the focal point they need to guide them out of the bottom three.
Jarrod Bowen remains the Hammers’ only glimmering light at the far end of the pitch, having registered an assist last time out. However, Nuno’s team will need to find more from within to support Bowen and the rest of their attacking players if they are to turn their fortunes around.
Nineteen-year-old homegrown left back Ollie Scarles, who was forced to play at right back in both of the Irons’ previous fixtures, will now face a spell on the sidelines after breaking his collarbone in the 2–1 defeat at Elland Road. Niklas Füllkrug remains out with a thigh problem, while Konstantinos Mavropanos is sidelined with a similar issue.
The Toon travel to London having won their last three games in all competitions, beating Benfica, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur — all at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s side, however, have not started as brightly as they would have hoped in the league. They currently sit 12th in the table and are still searching for their first away win of the campaign.
Much was made of Nick Woltemade’s big-money move from Stuttgart in the summer following Aleksander Isak’s departure, but the German has adapted to life on Tyneside with remarkable ease — like Scotty T on a nightclub appearance. Having already scored seven times in black and white, Woltemade will be looking to add to that tally against the league’s weakest defence on Sunday.
A combative, high-energy midfield could prove the difference in this clash. The likes of Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton will relish the prospect of going up against a West Ham side whose running stats place them near the bottom of the league. With aerial prowess at the back, Dan Burn and Fabian Schär will also fancy their chances from set pieces as they look to add insult to injury for an already dejected West Ham.
Eddie Howe’s side continue to be without starting full backs Tino Livramento and Matt Targett, meaning Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn will likely occupy the full back positions for the Geordies once again on Sunday.
West Ham have failed to beat Newcastle at the London Stadium in their last six attempts, drawing twice and losing four times. With their current form, it looks unlikely that they will change that record this weekend.
With West Ham in dire straits but Newcastle struggling on the road, Sunday's clash should be cagey. Matthew O'Regan has looked at the best betting odds and provided a bet for the game.
Nick Woltemade has become a firm fan favourite since arriving from Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. The Big German has six goals in 11 appearances and his height and physicality will cause issues for a fragile West Ham defence - particularly from set pieces.
Prediction: Nick Woltemade 2+ shots on target - 31/20- Betmgm
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