West Ham United vs Newcastle United - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 02/03/2019

West Ham United vs Newcastle United - Premier League Preview and Odds

March 02, 2019 15:30pm - London Stadium

Premier League

Two sides who looked like relegation candidates earlier in the campaign, but now have their eyes set on top half finishes go head to head on Saturday as 10th-ranked West Ham United host 13th-ranked Newcastle United.

The Hammers are unbeaten in their last four matches at the London Stadium having beaten Arsenal and Fulham and drawn against Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion. A run of 15 games featuring just five defeats since the start of December has lifted them 11 points clear of the drop zone. Manuel Pellegrini`s men can now focus on finishing in the top half of the table.

Opponents Newcastle are also in good form having lost just one of their last six matches. Away from home, they have lost just three of their last nine, winning two and drawing four.

The Magpies are now six points clear of danger with 10 games left to play. While their current situation does not appear to be a precarious one, a couple of bad results could easily see them dragged back into trouble.

Rafa Benitez will hope that the arrival of Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almiron will give the club the edge they need in the run-in. The former Atlanta United man has already impressed the St. James` Park faithful in his two starts for the club. He was one of their star players in their comfortable 2-0 win over Burnley last time out.

Recent Form (League)

West Ham United: LWDDL

Newcastle United: WWDLW

Betting odds and tips

West Ham won comfortably at St. James` Park earlier in the season, but the Geordies have improved since then and look full of confidence right now. Before that match, they had won four of their last five against the Hammers including a 3-2 win here in 2017.

The home side are unbeaten in four and should maintain that record with the visitors leaving with just a point.

You can back the Draw at 5/2.

By Neil Morris