West Ham head North East this weekend to face relegation battlers Newcastle United and the fires have been stoked in the build-up by Toon midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.
Despite struggling for Premier League survival this season with just a place and six points between them and the relegation zone, Shelvey has this week claimed the Toon squad is on par with the Hammers.
The claim comes as David Moyes‘ side look to make another step towards Champions League qualification, having turned their fortunes around entirely from last term.
Unsurprisingly the comments, which were made to talkSPORT have prompted a reaction, nowhere more so than from former Iron, Trevor Sinclair, who took to Twitter with a three-word response.
Twitter: Decent banter Jonjo
https://t.co/vXnlZ4NQck (@trevor8sinclair)
Whilst injuries have badly hampered the St James’ Park outfit of late, the 23 point gap that currently separates the two sides would suggest the difference in quality within the two squads is stark.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Shelvey will of course be looking to have the last laugh this week and put a major dent in the Hammers’ chances of European qualification, whilst perhaps ensuring the Magpies’ survival in the process.
Regardless of the result, based on this season alone it’s hard to agree there are parallels between the two sides.
