Razor sharp West Ham star ‘turning heads’ in training and could make first start at Newcastle

Things may not be going well in east London, but the Hammers now have a run of at least 20 uninterrupted matches before the next international break.

If that doesn’t allow West Ham’s new-look squad to gel then nothing will.

The problem is Newcastle are bang in form, going into the game off the back of three straight wins.

The Magpies beat Forest 3-1 before the break. That was having won 1-0 against Arsenal and 2-0 against Chelsea.

So going to St James’ Park on a Monday night under the lights looks daunting for West Ham, who have won just three league games all season.

Julen Lopetegui is under pressure to save his job.

It’s been claimed Lopetegui has the next two games – at Newcastle and home to Arsenal – to save his job.

Razor sharp West Ham star ‘turning heads’ in training

Worryingly for the Spaniard, a top journalist close to the club’s owners says Lopetegui may even be sacked if West Ham suffer a heavy defeat to Eddie Howe’s men.

So this could literally be a last roll of the dice for the 57-year-old.

Word around the club is that he may be willing to gamble too.

West Ham signed nine players in the summer. But it says a lot about how poor they’ve been that Lopetegui’s starting XI picks itself most weeks.

The manager has been criticised over team selections, tactics and handling of the press and players.

He may have shown his desperation by making West Ham’s squad train at night ahead of the Monday evening kick-off.

One player in particular is giving the ex Wolves boss something to think about, though.

A razor sharp West Ham star is ‘turning heads’ in training and could make his first start at Newcastle.

West Ham will be without Mohammed Kudus at St James’ Park as he serves game four of a five-match ban.

The team’s midfield and striker options have been the biggest problem so far this season.

The Hammers look lethargic and unmotivated.

They also lack a cutting edge, all of which was evident in the dour 0-0 draw with Everton last time out.

One man who is none of those things right now is Danny Ings.

Ings impressing and could make first start at Newcastle

Niclas Fullkrug is closing in on three months out through injury. It was reported this week Fullkrug is unsettled at West Ham and wants to leave.

Lopetegui’s options are seriously limited up front.

Michail Antonio has just one goal in 11 games and is nearly 35.

Ings is no spring chicken either and – like under David Moyes – his face hasn’t fit since Lopetegui’s arrival.

Hammers fans have actually been calling for Ings to start ahead of Antonio of late.

The misfit has played just 131 minutes all season and is yet to start a single league game.

His time may come at Newcastle, though, because Hammers News understands footage of Ings looking highly motivated and in top form at Rush Green is not a one-off.

Footage released by the club’s media team this week shows Ings really standing out with his quick movements and finishing.

Ings deserves West Ham chance

He won the applause of his teammates for his efforts during a dribbling and shooting drill.

That has been a regular occurrence of late on the training ground, Hammers News understands.

Ings was also excellent when he came on against Everton.

The 32-year-old was desperately unlucky not to net a late winner. He was one of the only players to emerge from the game with any credit.

Ings also made both goals in the win over Man United and scored a late leveller at Fulham earlier in the season too.

“Danny has been really turning heads in training,” a club source told Hammers News.

“It’s just not worked out for him but it won’t be for a lack of effort on his part.

“Danny is a great guy and pro. He’s been impressing in training and when he comes on and that’s all he can control. Let’s see what happens.”

Lopetegui has a big decision to make now for Newcastle.

Although as far as fans – and it seems many inside the club – are concerned, it’s a no-brainer right now.

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