- West Ham United are 18th in the Premier League
- The Hammers face Newcastle United on Sunday
- Pablo comes in for Taty Castellanos
If West Ham United are to have any hope of maintaining their Premier League status, they must produce a result when they play Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Hammers sit 18th in the Premier League, two points behind Tottenham Hotspur with two games left. Despite losing points against Leeds United on Monday night, Roberto De Zerbi’s side have extended their lead over West Ham in the relegation zone going into matchweek 37.
A loss for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, along with Spurs picking up at least a point, would effectively condemn West Ham to relegation, who have a comparatively weaker goal difference, to the Lillywhites.
Nonetheless, Eddie Howe’s side presents an intriguing matchup. The Magpies are unlikely to qualify for European football this season, and they are certainly not in danger of tumbling into a basement battle with Spurs or West Ham – they are just playing the remainder of the season for dignity. Thus, this is a team that should not be overlooked.
Here’s who we think will start tomorrow afternoon.
Mads Hermansen (GK)
The Dane is expected to maintain his spot as West Ham’s number one keeper, with his shot-stopping ability likely to be crucial in weathering St James’ Park’s inevitable moments of momentum.
El Hadji Malick Diouf (LWB)
This is the first indication that Nuno may choose to keep the configuration that served West Ham well for much of their match against Arsenal. El Hadji Malick Diouf has demonstrated that his talent thrives in advanced positions, and a wing-back role on Sunday would help alleviate his recent defensive troubles.
Jean-Clair Todibo (LCB)
To the left is Jean-Clair Todibo, who has been forced to play reserve minutes after being replaced by his countryman, Disasi. However, as he showed last weekend, once shaken off the rust, the former Barcelona player possesses talent that, if given the opportunity, can be utilised.
Konstantinos Mavropanos (CCB)
A no-brainer.
Axel Disasi (RCB)
Axel Disasi will continue to play in the back, but will be moved out wide as a right centre-back in our three-man defence. His experience as a right-back will also help him when he is called upon to contribute outside the box.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RWB)
As highlighted, when covering the three matchups that could define this fixture, a majority of Newcastle’s threat comes from their left. Whether it’s Harvey Barnes or Anthony Gordon, it will be upon Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s defensive profile to prove too much if a result is to be achieved.
Mateus Fernandes (CM)
The Premier League Young Player of the Season candidate is also a no-brainer.
Tomas Soucek (CM)
Tomas Soucek’s size and aerial ability will be crucial against one of the most physical sides in the country.
Crysencio Summerville (LW)
If Crysencio Summerville performs to his full potential on Sunday, he might put up a breakout performance. Every week, the dynamic winger provides an inner danger from the left, giving West Ham a chance.
Jarrod Bowen (RW)
There will be worries about where Jarrod Bowen’s head is at right now. The forward has become an attractive name in this week’s rumour mill. Whether he sees himself in East London at the end of the season or not, the forward will have to show more to prove he’s worth the attention.
Pablo (ST)
It could’ve been any one of West Ham’s three not entirely convincing centre-forward options. Valentín Castellanos hassled the Arsenal backline well in his start last week. Callum Wilson scored what momentarily seemed like the equaliser, but it’s Pablo, who showed some substance to his attacking play that, if replicated, will cause an at-times error-prone Newcastle defence problems.
(5-2-3): Hermansen (GK); Diouf, Disasi, Mavropanos, Todibo, Wan-Bissaka; Fernandes, Soucek; Summerville, Bowen, Pablo.
