Newcastle vs West Ham - Match preview and predicted line-ups
The final home game of 2025/26, as Newcastle United welcome West Ham to St James' Park for the 5:30pm kick-off on Sunday.
Sadly, there is little to play for from a Newcastle perspective, as last weekend's late leveller from Elliot Anderson ensured we will not be able to force our way back into European contention with just six points left to play for.
A huge shame, but it was a moment and result that summed up our season at the City Ground. When we were on top, we weren't clinical enough, and when we were on the back foot late on, we let our lead slip...again.
So, instead of checking other results and wondering if a win could push us back into the top eight, many will be watching Sunday's game to see if West Ham can avoid the drop, with the Hammers knowing defeat may leave them with one foot in the Championship.
Who starts?
Nick Pope should keep this place in goal. He had some unconvincing moments last Sunday, but did make a two or three key saves, allowing him to start ahead of the on-loan Aaron Ramsdale, who won't be signing permanently.
In defence, Howe must decide whether to continue the Lewis Hall experiment at right-back, or bring Kieran Trippier back for what will be his last home game as a Newcastle United player. Perhaps I'm siding with what I want, over what I'd predict here, but I'm backing Trippier to play and Hall to come back in at left-back.
In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali appear to be locks in the team, leaving one spot up for grabs. Jacob Ramsey was impactful off the bench at Forest with that lovely assist, and Joelinton has a knock, so I can see our summer signing starting.
Harvey Barnes scored his 16th of the season last weekend, and I think he'll come back into the side this weekend, especially with Anthony Gordon clearly not part of the club's future. April's player of the month Will Osula should keep his place up top, and I'd prefer to see Anthony Elanga back on the right wing, but feel Jacob Murphy is more likely to get the nod again.
Predicted Newcastle XI: Pope - Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall - Bruno, Tonali, Ramsey - Murphy, Osula, Barnes.
Who wins?
West Ham will be fighting for their lives, knowing defeat at St James' Park will send them down if Spurs follow it with a win at Chelsea on Tuesday.
It's been a season of more lows than highs, and our form at St James' Park was frankly awful before that 3-1 win over Brighton two weeks ago.
However, I do think we'll be eager to end a tough campaign on Tyneside with a strong final showing, sending us into a big summer with three points.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 West Ham
Keep the faith. HWTL!
