Eddie Howe pre-West Ham press conference
Newcastle United are back in Premier League action at West Ham United this afternoon (2pm kick-off).
The Magpies head into the match on the back of three consecutive wins in all competitions after beating Benfica in the Champions League, Fulham in the Premier League and Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup.
But Eddie Howe’s side also haven’t won successive league matches since April and will be looking to climb up the table after an inconsistent start.
Newcastle United team news v West Ham
Ahead of the match, Howe hinted that Lewis Hall could return to the matchday squad after a month out with a hamstring injury.
On Hall, the Newcastle head coach said: “Very close [to returning]. He hasn’t trained with us yet so hopefully he is training with us today for the first time.”
William Osula, who came off the bench to play a key role in Bruno Guimaraes’ last-minute winner against Fulham last time out in the Premier League, has been managing an ankle injury but playing through the pain barrier.
Yoane Wissa and Tino Livramento are expected to be back later this month with respective knee injuries.
Newcastle United star returns v West Ham
After Howe teased Hall’s return in his pre-match press conference, the 21-year-old was spotted getting off the team coach at the London Stadium ahead of the West Ham United match.
The match will mark Hall’s return to the matchday squad after missing five matches since picking up his injury in the 4-0 Champions League win at Union Saint-Gilloise just over a month ago.
There were no fresh surprises in the travelling squad with Osula making the journey but Livramento, Wissa and former West Ham United youngster Harrison Ashby ruled out due to injury.
Defender Jamaal Lascelles also didn’t make the journey with Howe facing a decision over who he starts at centre-back with Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw and Fabian Schar all in good form heading into the game.
Newcastle United’s team news will be confirmed at 12:45pm.
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