On March 10, 2025, West Ham United will host Newcastle United at the London Stadium for the 28th round of the English Premier League (EPL) as both teams vie for important points. This fixture is expected to be pivotal for both clubs as they navigate the challenges of the season.
West Ham enters the match on the defensive, currently sitting at 16th place on the EPL table with 33 points from 27 matches. Following two significant victories over Arsenal (1:0) and Leicester City (2:0), the 'Hammers' have shown glimpses of recovery from their earlier struggles.
With new manager Graham Potter at the helm, West Ham has adjusted their playing style, now favoring a 5-3-2 formation, which has contributed to recent success. Potter expressed his belief during press conferences about the alignment of his ambitions with those of the club. He stated, “West Ham was the ideal option for me,” indicating his commitment to rebuilding the team.
Newcastle, on the other hand, sits higher on the table at 8th with 44 points, just two points shy of the top six. Despite showing potential early in the season, they have experienced ups and downs, as highlighted by their recent exit from the FA Cup against Brighton, where they lost 1-2 after extra time.
The Magpies have struggled with consistency; Newcastle has failed to win their last two league outings against Fulham (1:2) and Liverpool (0:2), and they require victory against West Ham to maintain hopes of European qualification.
Interestingly, both teams have faced challenges on the defensive front. West Ham has managed two clean sheets consecutively but needs to maintain this form, whereas Newcastle has conceded at least one goal in five of their last six fixtures. This trend indicates potential vulnerabilities, especially with key defensive players sidelined.
Suspensions and injuries are also affecting Newcastle's lineup. Anthony Gordon will miss the match due to suspension, and defender Lewis Hall, among others, is out with injury. Compounding their woes, Newcastle failed to cement their prior successes as they lost to top-tier teams like Manchester City and Fulham.
Well-known for their attacking prowess, Newcastle will still rely heavily on the likes of Alexander Isak and Joelinton to deliver goals, especially against their London counterparts. Despite their recent issues, Eddie Howe's side appears motivated to return to winning ways.
Historical data suggests there is likely to be plenty of action when these teams meet, as evidenced by past encounters. Over the last several matches, there has been at least one goal from both teams. Reports indicate both teams have scored the same number of goals against each other, and bookmakers are leaning toward this trend continuing.
The last match between West Ham and Newcastle, played on November 25, 2024, saw West Ham claim victory with a scoreline of 2:0. This previous encounter adds another layer of motivation for Newcastle as they aim to reclaim their pride and push back against West Ham's momentum. Given the statistics, 9 out of the last 11 head-to-head matches have featured teams scoring on both sides.
West Ham’s gameplay at home historically enjoys some success with their supporters, but they’ve struggled through the season. Despite their struggles, the team is +16 points clear of the relegation zone, which adds favorable conditions for them playing at home.
Betting experts have their eyes on several outcomes for this match. Many predict ‘Both Teams to Score’ with odds of around 1.61, reflecting the teams’ goal-scoring capabilities. Another favorable stake is on West Ham to secure back-to-back wins at home, with betting odds around 3.00. For fans, the match offers excitement as both clubs look to bolster their positions.
Fans are encouraged to tune in to watch this intense showdown and see whether Newcastle can overcome their recent challenges or if West Ham will continue their return to form. The kickoff is scheduled for 22:00 local time, and it promises to be yet another enthralling chapter in English football.