Eddie Howe and Nuno Espirito Santo stood alongside each other.
Credit: Imago
Samuel Fabre
Sun 2 November 2025 13:05, UK
West Ham have confirmed their starting line-up for Sunday’s crunch clash against Newcastle.
West Ham’s 2-1 loss to Leeds on Friday has left them sitting 19th in the Premier League table, and there are now serious concerns of relegation.
Nuno Espirito Santo is still looking for his first win in charge of the Hammers, and they face a Newcastle side that is yet to win away from home in the Premier League this season.
West Ham are now predicted to be relegated, and Eddie Howe will not be showing any mercy.
Freddie Potts has finally been called up to start after several promising cameos, and Mateus Fernandes will support him in midfield in the first of many positive changes.
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo in a press conference at the London Stadium.
Credit: Imago
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Callum Wilson starts for West Ham, Nuno Espirito Santo makes three changes
West Ham last beat Newcastle at the London Stadium in 2019, and there is no evidence to suggest that they could repeat that win this time around.
West Ham are in desperate need of a consistent goalscorer, and whilst Callum Wilson is not favoured by Nuno in the long term, his Premier League experience is invaluable.
In the loss to Brentford, Nuno refused to bring Wilson on the pitch, even though the Hammers were in desperate need of a goal.
However, Nuno has placed his faith in Wilson for the Newcastle clash after coming off the bench at Leeds, and it’s up to the 33-year-old striker to repay him.
Stat Callum Wilson
Appearances 245
Goals 89
Assists 23
Seasons in the Premier League 11
Wilson’s all-time record in the Premier League
Wilson will be a great outlet for West Ham during the match, and his movement in the box is deadly.
Howe will be reacquainted with his former striker, and he’ll be praying that Wilson won’t have a huge impact against his Newcastle side.
The changes in full are Wilson, Potts, and Fernandes coming in for Tomas Soucek, Ollie Scarles, and Andy Irving.
Newcastle are favourites to beat West Ham, although they come into the match with little confidence on the road on 2 November.
West Ham must exploit Newcastle’s woeful away record
Newcastle have struggled to be consistent this season, as they sit 13th in the Premier League table.
Despite winning their last three matches in all competitions, including a 2-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday, they have failed to win away from home in the Premier League.
Nick Woltemade’s goal against Brighton on 18 October is the only time they’ve found the net on the road this season, and the Hammers have a huge opportunity to capitalise on their misfortunes.
Wilson’s introduction into the starting line-up against his former side may worry the visitors, yet their impressive defensive record means that the English striker must be at the top of his game from the first minute.
West Ham haven’t won at home since February, but Nuno appears to have finally got it right in midfield and the final third, with all eyes on a huge three points.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest West Ham United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@westhamzone247