Eddie Howe has a wealth of options as Newcastle United prepare for a crucial Premier League clash against West Ham United on Monday night. With a strong squad at his disposal, even with a few injuries, the Magpies are well-positioned to extend their impressive run of form. Riding high on a three-match winning streak across all competitions, Newcastle enter the game as clear favourites against a West Ham side struggling for consistency this season.
The Hammers have not secured an away win since August, a statistic that only bolsters Newcastle’s confidence. However, Eddie Howe faces a critical defensive conundrum due to the absence of Dan Burn. The defender picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the recent 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, triggering a one-match suspension. This leaves a notable gap in the heart of Newcastle’s defence, but Howe is ready with a solution.
Lloyd Kelly, who joined Newcastle from Bournemouth in the summer, is expected to step into Burn’s shoes. Kelly has already demonstrated his quality, notably in the Carabao Cup win against Chelsea, where he delivered an assured performance. The pairing of Kelly and Fabian Schar in central defence should provide stability, even in Burn’s absence. However, Newcastle’s defensive depth remains stretched thin. Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, both recovering from ACL surgeries undergone last spring, are still at least a month away from returning. Adding to Howe’s selection challenges, Emil Krafth is sidelined for around six weeks following a collarbone injury.
In better news, Kieran Trippier is set to return to the squad. The veteran right-back is a cornerstone of Newcastle’s defence, but he faces stiff competition from Tino Livramento. The young full-back has been in sensational form, earning his first senior England cap last week, and Howe may hesitate to disrupt his momentum. Livramento’s dynamic performances have been a revelation, giving Newcastle a fresh attacking dimension from the right flank.
In attack, Callum Wilson is edging closer to a return. The prolific striker, who has a stellar record against West Ham, could make the bench on Monday night. However, Howe is likely to exercise caution with the No. 9 to avoid risking further injury. Should Wilson feature, his presence could provide Newcastle with an added edge in the latter stages of the game.
The core of Newcastle’s midfield and attack remains intact, with key players Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali all returning unscathed from international duty. Isak’s sharpness in front of goal and Gordon’s creativity on the wings will be pivotal against a West Ham side that has struggled defensively in recent weeks. Bruno Guimaraes will orchestrate play from midfield, while Joelinton and Sean Longstaff are likely to complete a robust midfield trio.
Sandro Tonali, despite his immense talent, may once again start on the bench, given the competition for spots in midfield. Meanwhile, rising star Lewis Miley, fresh from impressing with England’s Under-21s, will likely retain his place in the squad. Miley’s inclusion highlights Howe’s willingness to integrate young talent into a squad brimming with quality and experience.
Newcastle’s squad depth will be crucial as they look to maintain momentum in the Premier League and beyond. With key players returning from injury in the coming weeks, Howe will have even more options to choose from, making his side a formidable force as the season progresses.
Expected Newcastle United squad vs West Ham United:
Goalkeepers: Pope, Dubravka, Vlachodimos, Ruddy
Defenders: Livramento, Trippier, Schar, Kelly, Hall
Midfielders: Tonali, Longstaff, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Willock, Miley
Forwards: Almiron, Gordon, Isak, Barnes, J Murphy, A Murphy, Osulia, Wilson
With a balanced mix of experience and youthful exuberance, Newcastle United are well-equipped to take on West Ham and continue their impressive run. The Monday night clash promises to be an exciting encounter, with the Magpies looking to solidify their position as one of the Premier League’s in-form sides.
