West Ham’s star player has been dropped from the starting lineup for their upcoming match against Newcastle. Julen Lopetegui has made his key decision.
Newcastle United are set to host West Ham United in a high-stakes Premier League clash on Monday evening, as Julen Lopetegui’s side looks to reverse their faltering form amid growing scrutiny. For Newcastle, the match offers a chance to extend their recent resurgence under Eddie Howe, while West Ham desperately need points to lift themselves out of the lower reaches of the table.
Newcastle’s Momentum Under Howe
The Magpies enter the game with a spring in their step, having recorded three consecutive victories over Chelsea, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest. These wins have steadied the ship after an inconsistent start to the campaign. Eddie Howe’s tactical adjustments and ability to inspire his players have begun to pay dividends, and St James’ Park is once again buzzing with optimism. A win against West Ham could propel Newcastle into ninth place, further solidifying their recovery.
However, Howe’s team faces challenges, particularly in defence. The absence of Dan Burn, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Nottingham Forest, leaves a notable gap. Compounding this are injuries to key defensive players, including Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, and Emil Krafth. Kieran Trippier’s availability remains uncertain, adding to Howe’s selection headaches.
West Ham’s Struggles Under Lopetegui
In contrast, West Ham’s recent form has been underwhelming. With just one win in their last four games, the Hammers are languishing in 14th place, and Lopetegui finds himself under increasing pressure. A victory against Newcastle is crucial, but even with three points, they would need a commanding performance to climb above Bournemouth, who sit 13th on goal difference.
The Hammers’ campaign has been marred by inconsistency, and Lopetegui will need to galvanize his squad to avoid slipping further down the table. The Spaniard’s tactics and team selection will come under intense scrutiny as fans demand a turnaround in fortunes.
Injury Woes for Newcastle
Newcastle’s defensive crisis couldn’t come at a worse time. With Burn suspended and Lascelles, Botman, and Krafth sidelined, the Magpies will rely heavily on makeshift options. Lloyd Kelly is expected to step in for Burn, while Trippier, slightly ahead of Callum Wilson in his recovery, might feature on the bench. Howe confirmed Trippier’s progress but was cautious about his immediate return.
“He’s doing well. We anticipate he’s going to train with the group today [Friday]. Whether he’s quite there for West Ham, let’s see. But he has to get through the next few days in training first,” Howe stated. “He’s slightly closer than Callum. He trained well yesterday and felt good – no ill effects, looked sharp. That was his first day of training so again, we’re in a similar position in that right at the end of the rehab you’ve got to navigate the last few days well.”
As for Wilson, Howe hinted that the striker’s return is imminent but not guaranteed for the West Ham game. Emil Krafth, meanwhile, remains out for the next six to eight weeks following surgery.
Tactical Tweaks for the Magpies
With Sandro Tonali impressing off the bench against Nottingham Forest, providing a crucial assist, he could reclaim his spot in the starting XI at the expense of Sean Longstaff. Howe may otherwise stick with a largely unchanged lineup, given the team’s recent success. Up front, Alexander Isak will likely continue to lead the line in Wilson’s absence.
West Ham, on the other hand, will need to find a way to exploit Newcastle’s defensive vulnerabilities while addressing their own attacking inefficiencies. Lopetegui’s decisions in team selection and strategy could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of this crucial encounter.
High Stakes for Both Sides
For Newcastle, a win would continue their upward trajectory and provide further momentum as they aim to climb the table. For West Ham, the stakes are even higher; a poor result could see them dragged closer to the relegation zone and intensify the pressure on Lopetegui. The Monday night showdown promises to be a compelling encounter as both teams fight for valuable points at opposite ends of the form spectrum.
