Newcastle – West Ham preview: Can Newcastle make it four wins from four?

13^th face off against 14^th this weekend in the Premier League when Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United welcome West Ham United to the North-East.

The two teams are only separated by goal difference in the Premier League table, and a win for either side could be massive as the festive period of football kicks-off.

The team news

A familiar face to the Newcastle faithful could be returning for the Hammers on Saturday as Andy Carroll is set to make his long-awaited return to first team football for the East London side.

The Ex-Magpies striker has missed the majority of the season so far due to injury, however, Carroll was an unused substitute against Manchester City last weekend and could be set to start against his former club this weekend after regular Hammers striker Marko Arnautovic limped off with a hip injury last weekend.

Jack Wilshere could also be set to return to the squad as well as Robert Snodgrass, who returns from suspension.

Newcastle will only have Paul Dummett missing for Saturday afternoon’s action as Jamal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey all return from injury and could feature.

Past encounters

The hosts go into the match the better team in terms of form and past encounters. The Toon have won their last three games against the Hammers, who they themselves have only managed one win in 14 games at St. James Park (D5, L8).

As well as having history on their side, Newcastle is unbeaten in the league since October 27^th and have only conceded twice in their last four games. West Ham was demolished in their last Premier League match against Manchester City where Manuel Pellegrini’s side was beaten 4-0.

Prediction

Form and history are all in Newcastle’s favour for Saturday’s game, and with West Ham going into the clash on the back of a result that no doubt destroyed morale and confidence, I can see Rafa’s men coming out of this game as comfortable winners.

Newcastle United 2-0 West Ham