Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe spoke to the media ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash with West Ham United.
West Ham are in desperate need of all three points against Newcastle, with Julen Lopetegui facing the sack if we lose to the Toon and Arsenal the following weekend.
It came as a big blow for West Ham when it emerged that our arch nemesis Callum Wilson is set to return from injury for Newcastle in time to face us.
There has been some more bad news for the Hammers ahead of the match, with Craig Pawson being named as the referee with Chris Kavanagh leading up the VAR team.
Newcastle have won their last two Premier League games, and are now bang in the mix in the race for the top four.
Meanwhile, West Ham are looking over our shoulders at the bottom three.
Things have to change, and fast, if we are to enjoy a successful 2024/25 season. Newcastle is certainly a must-not-lose, and Howe’s comments on one player will interest the Hammers fans.
Eddie Howe’s injury update ahead of Newcastle vs West Ham
The Hammers have some problems of our own, with Niclas Fullkrug out injured and Mohammed Kudus suspended.
However, the Toon have plenty of absentees as well.
Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman and Emil Krafth are long-term injury concerns, whilst Dan Burn is suspended.
The man we all want to know about is Callum Wilson though.
Howe spoke to reporters this morning and provided an update on the striker, as quoted via Newcastle’s official website.
He responded when asked whether he will feature against the Hammers.
The Toon boss said, “Errrrr, he’s doing well, we anticipate he’s going to train with the group today. Whether he will be quite there for West Ham, there’s a chance he could be involved, but he has to get through the next few days in training first.“
“We’re at the delicate stage of his return because we’ve got to manage him correctly, he’s such a valuable player. We need to learn from previous issues we’ve had.“
Howe then responded to a question about Kieran Trippier:
“Yes, he’s slightly closer than Callum, he trained yesterday and felt good.“
Judging by those comments, I would suggest that Wilson is nowhere near ready to start against the Hammers, and that’s a huge relief, given his record against us.
The 32-year-old has bagged 12 goals in 14 games against West Ham, and he has lost only three of those matches.
No Callum Wilson will definitely be good news for the Hammers.
West Ham record vs Newcastle
After the two clubs first met way back in 1908, the Hammers have won 43, drawn 41 and lost 60 games against the Magpies.
Our recent record against the Toon makes for pretty grim reading, with just one win in our last 10 Premier League clashes – a 4-2 victory at St James’ Park in 2021.
We have only won up on Tyneside twice since 2012, so we all know how tough this game will be.
Eddie Howe’s men are in fine form right now, whilst the complete opposite can be said for the Hammers.
West Ham lost 4-3 to Newcastle in a seven-goal thriller at St James’ Park last season, having led 3-1 at one point in the match.
Hopefully the boys turn up on Monday and give the hosts a proper game.
If they don’t it may well be the last time we see Lopetegui in the West Ham dug-out.
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