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Newcastle United look to upset West Ham United at St. James’ Park

By Carson A Merk

Newcastle United's Allan Saint-Maximin (R) celebrates with Jonjo Shelvey. (Photo by PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United's Allan Saint-Maximin (R) celebrates with Jonjo Shelvey. (Photo by PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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After picking up a comeback win vs. Burnley, Newcastle United will look to upset West Ham United tomorrow at St. James’ Park. We preview the match between the clubs sitting in 4th and 17th on the Premier League table.

Player to Watch

Newcastle United: Allan Saint-Maximin

Quite simply, the Magpies would not have won last weekend without Saint-Maximin. He scored and assisted off the bench and looks healthy and confident. When he’s in form, he’s tough to deal with and Newcastle will need him to play well if they want to upset West Ham.

West Ham United: Jesse Lingard

A target of Newcastle in January, Lingard is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League since arriving at West Ham. He has eight goals and four assists and he’s the player that’s making them tick in the attack. NUFC must lock in on him and make other players beat them.

NUFC Availability Update

Steve Bruce confirmed that Ryan Fraser is still not fit due to a groin injury that he picked up on international duty. He added that Jamaal Lascelles is in a boot but isn’t being ruled out for the season.

Keys to a Newcastle United Victory

  • Get Wilson involved early

We all anticipate that Callum Wilson will be in the starting lineup tomorrow. While it was nice to have him back vs. Burnley, he didn’t get much time on the ball. The Magpies will want to give him opportunities early, whether that’s on a run in behind or to hold up play. Once he gets his mojo back, we know how dangerous he can be.

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  • Communication on the backline

Without Jamaal Lascelles, Newcastle are missing their captain and vocal leader in the defense. Burnley got a cheap goal because Paul Dummett was stuck in no man’s land and against West Ham United,  they can’t afford those kinds of mistakes. Federico Fernandez and Co. must communicate and turn in a great defensive effort for NUFC to score an upset.