Chris Sutton predicts who will win between Newcastle United and West Ham

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Newcastle United are in a good place right now, as they prepare to face a West Ham side that is under pressure.

Eddie Howe’s team very much turned the corner before the international break, with key players finding form again. The only fear is that Newcastle have lost their momentum due to the break in play.

If Newcastle United win on Monday night at St James’ Park, they will have won four in a row in all competitions. That is something that the Magpies have not done since October 2023, with that run culminating with their famous 4-1 win over PSG in the Champions League.

In contrast, West Ham are enduring a difficult period. The Hammers are 14th in the Premier League table, and have only won two of their last 10 games in all competitions.

Pressure is mounting on the West Ham manager, with Julen Lopetegui preparing his players to play underneath the lights at St James’ Park.

Chris Sutton predicts Newcastle vs West Ham

It is a daunting task for an out of form West Ham, with Paul Merson predicting Newcastle to win comfortably.

Chris Sutton also thinks that the Magpies will pick up three points, telling BBC Sport that Eddie Howe’s side will be ‘too strong’ for West Ham.

“It feels to me like Southampton’s Russell Martin is the manager who is closest to the edge at the moment but West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is probably not too far behind him,” he said.

“I was at this game last season, when Newcastle won 4-3 after being 3-1 down, and it was probably one of the results that meant Lopetegui’s predecessor, David Moyes, was not offered a new deal.

“I think Hammers fans have been underwhelmed by what they’ve seen since Lopetegui arrived, because it is not working out under him. As I’ve said before, I don’t quite know what kind of team they are trying to be.

“I don’t see them getting any joy at St James’ Park this time, either. Alexander Isak looked back to his best when Newcastle beat Forest last time out, and they should be too strong for West Ham too.”

Sutton’s prediction: Newcastle 2 West Ham 1

Newcastle will be full of confidence against West Ham

Understandably, there will be fears that the Magpies may have lost the momentum they built up before the international break.

However, there are a lot of Newcastle United players who will feel very confident heading into this game.

Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock have given the Newcastle midfield the balance they need, and will be eager to carry on their good form. The same goes for Joelinton, who is thriving out wide – either on the left or the right.

When it comes to Newcastle United’s international stars, many of them enjoyed their time away with their country. Anthony Gordon scored his first England goal, while Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall made their Three Lions debuts.

Newcastle will also have Lloyd Kelly in their starting XI, with Dan Burn suspended. It is the first time that Kelly will start at centre-back in the Premier League for the Magpies, and he will be very keen to prove he deserves more minutes in that position.

And with an in-form Alexander Isak and a potentially returning Callum Wilson, there is goals in this Newcastle United team.

It will be a difficult game, but it is no surprise that most pundits are predicting a home win.