West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui has described Newcastle United as a “complex team” ahead of Monday night’s Premier League fixture.
As the Spaniard sometimes admits himself, his English is not the best, so perhaps something was lost in translation regarding Eddie Howe’s team, who are anything but complex.
The Magpies are very much a side of round pegs in round holes, likely to be highly organised when the Hammers face them in the final EPL game of the weekend.
Newcastle have started the same team in their last two wins against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, which shows excellent balance. Joelinton is expected to start wide, having scored in his last outing, but Harvey Barnes, who also netted against Forest, will be pushing him hard.
The team plays with good width, a compact midfield, two central defenders, and full-backs Lewis Hall and Livramento, both in excellent form. In many respects, while an away game at St James’ Park is never easy, Howe’s team and tactics are probably more predictable than most. Hopefully, Lopetegui hasn’t fashioned anything too creative to combat the Toon’s perceived complexity.
“The only thing I am focused on right now is the Newcastle game and going up against a tough team in what is sure to be a tough match,” said the West Ham boss.
“We are ready for high demands. In my opinion, they are one of the most complex teams in the league, and they have a lot of technical, physical, and tactical quality. We have to be aware of that and be ready to compete, and that’s what we’re all working on.”
