Newcastle United are riding a wave of momentum after beating Manchester United on Sunday, but could now be stopped in their tracks by a different United.
The Magpies travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham, who boosted their survival bid with a win over Southampton at the weekend.
It will be a tough game for Newcastle, who drew with the Hammers in the reverse fixture back in February. It was a very even game on that day, but Eddie Howe’s side are in a better place right now.
Newcastle have the chance to make it four wins in a row, and this is our predicted Toon starting lineup to take on West Ham
Bruno Guimaraes to face his best mate Lucas Paqueta
It will be a battle of the Brazilians on Wednesday night. Bruno Guimaraes is going to play against his best friend Lucas Paqueta, who was linked with a move to Newcastle during the summer.
He joined West Ham instead, but did not get to play against his close pal Bruno when the two side met back in February. That is because the Newcastle 25-year-old was suspended, but he is a guaranteed starter this time.
It will be interesting to see the two come face to face, and Bruno will arrive in London full of confidence. He was excellent against Manchester United, like he is most weeks in a Toon shirt.
Joe Willock fit to start against West Ham
Newcastle have one major injury doubt heading into Wednesday night’s game. Joe Willock limped off holding his hamstring against Manchester United, leading to speculation that he could miss the trip to West Ham.
However, we are anticipating the 23-year-old to start. Hopefully it was only cramp, meaning he should be fit to play.
Howe does have plenty of options if he does decide to rotate, but it is rare that the Toon boss changes a winning side.
Newcastle have options on the bench
While we expect Howe to name an unchanged side, he will have plenty of options in reserve. Our bench looked a lot more encouraging against Manchester United, and the substitutes he brought on all made a difference.
Anthony Gordon was very impressive when he came on, while Callum Wilson scored his eighth goal of the season with a header.
Joelinton will hope to start, but will likely find himself on the bench again if Willock is deemed fit to start at the London Stadium.
Predicted XI vs West Ham: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Saint-Maximin.
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