Premier League Matchday 21: West Ham vs. Newcastle

Start Time: 11:30 a.m. CST on February 4, 2023

Location: St. James' Park, Newcastle, England

FanDuel Betting Odds: Newcastle -165; Draw +270; West Ham +500

West Ham (16th in the Premier League); Manager: David Moyes

Recent Results: 2-0 win vs. Derby County (FA Cup); 2-0 win vs. Everton (Premier League); 0-1 loss vs. Wolves (Premier League).

Newcastle (3rd in the Premier League); Manager: Eddie Howe

Recent Results: 2-1 win vs. Southampton (League Cup); 1-0 win vs. Southampton (League Cup); 0-0 draw vs. Crystal Palace (Premier League).

FotMob Projected Lineups:

West Ham are winners of their last two, but they'll kick off a tough run of fixtures with a Premier League matchup at St. James' Park against a surging Newcastle side.

The Hammers come into this game hovering just above the relegation zone, as a recent victory against Everton gave a bit of hope for our Premier League survival. A first-half brace from Bowen and a solid defensive performance carried us to the win, but it's still clear the intensity from past seasons is missing in this West Ham side.

Moyes' tactics have grown stale among this talented group this season, leading to a series of disappointing results. Since returning from the World Cup, West Ham have dropped points against Arsenal, Brentford, Leeds, and Wolves. This is not a recipe for success.

Yes, there are 18 matches remaining, and plenty of time for this West Ham side to recover from a calamitous start to the year. But I have to see something positive today that makes me believe they're capable of doing so. On paper, the Hammers should be challenging once again for a Champions League spot. But in reality, we are no better than any of the other teams in the relegation zone.

Besides Arsenal, Newcastle have been the story of this Premier League season. 12 clean sheets under Eddie Howe and MLS product Miggy Almiron finding the back of the net has got St. James' Park rocking for every match. The Toon recently booked their ticket to Wembley to face off against Manchester United in the League Cup final, as they'll look to secure their first major trophy since 1969.

This high-flying Newcastle group have done its best to disrupt the traditional top six this season, and I think they'll finish in a UCL spot. Many have credited their recent foreign investment (which is fair and true) but the Newcastle board has spent their money wisely since the take-over. PIF did not break the bank for Trippier, Botman, Burn or Pope, but they've all been some of the best defenders in the Premier League this season.

BUT speaking of new signings, Newcastle brought in two players right before the window closed. One of them was Everton's Anthony Gordon. He's a young, rapid winger who fits their system perfectly. But at £45 million, it's a bit of an overpay for what Gordon has done in his career.

The second signing was West Ham youngster Harrison Ashby. Every so often, our board will cash in on a young player maybe too soon (ie: Diagana). It sucks to see an academy product depart, and he wasn't given enough time in the first team to show his potential.

Without Scamacca or Ings, West Ham will find it very tough to get back that Newcastle backline. I also question if our players will have the intensity to keep up with the Toon throughout all 90 minutes. How many combined mistakes will Kehrer and Coufal make? I have lots of questions, and not too many answers, so I think Newcastle will come away with all three points.

Premier League Match Day 21 Prediction: Newcastle 2 West Ham 0

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