Predicting Newcastle’s XI vs. West Ham: Lazaro, Almiron and Gayle start

Newcastle United will need some key players ready for action if they want three points against West Ham.

With three wins and a draw in their last four games, Newcastle United are one of the most in-form teams in the Premier League. After handling business in impressive fashion away at Bournemouth on Wednesday, the Magpies will be back at St. James’ Park tomorrow to host West Ham.

The Hammers are coming off a shock win against Chelsea (3-2) and they are desperately hoping to achieve the same outcome in north east to avoid relegation. Newcastle United are the favorites on paper, but, taking fatigue and injuries into account, who should Steve Bruce start on Sunday?

In goal, selecting Martin Dubravka is a no-brainer. The Slovakian is one of the best keepers in the league and has 10 clean sheets to his name. The back line of ahead him is expected to change for this clash, though. With Jamaal Lascelles battling an ankle injury, Fabian Schar will most likely enter the picture and will be paired with Federico Fernandez.

Danny Rose was rested against Bournemouth, but the Tottenham loanee is expected to start against West Ham. Javier Manquillo deserves to start as he is the best option for Bruce opposite of Rose, however, it would not be surprising to see the gaffer start Emil Krafth after a decent performance on Wednesday.

There is no way Jonjo Shelvey is being dropped for this clash, but his usual partner Isaac Hayden will make way for Nabil Bentaleb once again. The Algerian put in his best shift against the Cherries and will get rewarded with more playing time.

Allan Saint-Maximin is the Magpies’ most talented player, but after playing four games in 11 days the dynamic winger will surely sit this one out. In his place fans should expect to see Valentino Lazaro. The Austrian international was in top form on Wednesday. On the other wing Matt Ritchie is destined to return to the starting lineup.

Miguel Almiron scored a brilliant goal while running past three defenders against Bournemouth, and Bruce will hope his leading scorer across all competitions finds the back of the net again. The Paraguayan has been a joy to watch in the number ten role.

Predicting who will lead the front line is a tough call, but Bruce has to stick with Dwight Gayle. The striker has scored in two consecutive games and is currently the most confident striker in the squad.

Formation

4-2-3-1

Lineup

GK: Dubravka

DEF: Krafth, Fernandez, Schar, Rose

MID: Lazaro, Bentaleb, Shelvey, Ritchie, Almiron

ATT: Gayle