Mark Lawrenson has backed Newcastle United to cause an upset against West Ham in tomorrow’s lunchtime encounter.
The Magpies will be buoyed by last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Burnley and are edging closer to Premier League survival.
Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson came on at half-time last week and Lawrenson things both could make life difficult for the Hammers.
David Moyes’ team are flying high in fourth place in the Premier League and hold Champions League ambitions.
The BBC Sport pundit believes Steve Bruce will come out on top tomorrow, however.
He told the BBC website: “Last weekend’s win over Burnley was massive for Newcastle.
“I’m going for a bit of an upset here, partly because I think Newcastle usually pick up points in bursts and they also have Saint-Maximin and Wilson to come into the starting XI after the impact they made at Turf Moor.
“I think the Hammers will lose this time.”
Hope for Newcastle
Declan Rice and Michail Antonio will miss out for West Ham this weekend and that provides optimism for the Toon Army.
Bruce has some decisions to make this week after sparkling performances from the bench by Saint-Maximin and Wilson.
Both players are capable of winning games on their own and with survival desperately close, the Newcastle boss must act.
The Magpies have a grueling run of games coming up but there is now some hope at least.
Last week’s comeback victory will have raised the confidence levels and that bodes well for a strong finish to the season.
Tomorrow will still represent a tough game but on home soil there is every possibility of Newcastle completing a shock win.
If they do, it will put Newcastle even closer to Premier League football once again next season.
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