Nuno Espirito Santo and Eddie Howe looking serious
Credit: Imago
Josh Edwards
Tue 28 October 2025 19:10, UK
Nuno Espirito Santo will almost certainly make changes to his West Ham starting 11 this weekend.
Relegation isn’t only a possibility for West Ham this season, it is starting to look like the fate that awaits them at the end of the campaign.
After their defeat to Leeds, the Irons sit 19th in the Premier League, having won just one of their opening nine fixtures.
With that in mind, Nuno needs to make changes, and four could arrive when West Ham face Newcastle on Sunday.
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo in a press conference at the London Stadium.
Credit: Imago
Igor Julio must be given a chance vs Newcastle
After West Ham’s defeat to Leeds, Alphonse Areola is the only player whose starting position isn’t really under threat.
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The Frenchman is expected to retain his place in goal, with two changes ahead of him.
Oliver Scarles’ injury will likely rule him out of West Ham’s next clash, meaning Malick Diouf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could feature on either side of a back four.
Max Kilman has been poor this season, but he could keep his place, with Jean Clair-Todibo axed after a poor start to the season.
He could be replaced by Igor Julio, who has made just one appearance since joining on loan.
Lucas Paqueta should start in midfield, with Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa both coming back into the starting 11.
West Ham XI VS Newcastle
West Ham XI VS Newcastle
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Nuno Santo must start Callum Wilson for West Ham
Jarrod Bowen is West Ham’s only hope of survival this season, and when fit, he simply has to start for the Hammers.
Crysencio Summerville has shown flashes of quality so far this campaign, and Nuno should look to utilise the Dutchman more going forward.
West Ham started without a striker at Elland Road, in a decision that backfired immediately, and Nuno cannot afford to try that again.
Callum Wilson needs to lead the line for the Hammers, to at least give them a focal point up top.
Fixtures aren’t getting any easier for the Hammers as the festive period approaches, and they simply have to start picking up points sooner rather than later.
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