Chris Sutton believes Eddie Howe has a ‘problem’ ahead of Newcastle United’s game against West Ham United.
It will be the Magpies’ final game before the Carabao Cup final, as they prepare to face Liverpool at Wembley on March 16th.
But Newcastle United must focus on the Premier League for now, where they are battling to qualify for the Champions League. Worryingly for Eddie Howe, his side’s league form is not great.
Following Newcastle’s loss to Liverpool, the Magpies have won just two of their previous six Premier League games.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Chris Sutton predicts West Ham vs Newcastle
Chris Sutton believes that record will stretch to two in seven, as he predicts Monday night’s game at the London Stadium for BBC Sport.
With West Ham picking up form, Sutton has predicted a draw.
“West Ham are showing signs of improvement under Graham Potter and are going for a third-straight win,” he said.
“Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s first problem is who is fit and available.
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“I don’t think Howe will rest anyone ahead of next weekend’s Carabao Cup final, because his side are still going for a top-five finish and it would be huge for the club if they make it back into the Champions League.
“But there is a doubt over Alexander Isak, Lewis Hall is out for the season and Anthony Gordon is suspended after his red card against Brighton – I saw someone call him ‘Rash Gordon’ which is a great line.
“All of that, on top of West Ham’s current form, makes me think this will end up in a draw.”
Sutton’s prediction: West Ham 1 Newcastle United 1
Whether Eddie Howe will go full strength against West Ham
Sutton does not think the Newcastle United manager will rest anyone for the game against the Hammers, but has suggested that Alexander Isak is an injury doubt.
Fortunately for Toon fans, that does not appear to be the case. Isak trained this week and should be involved at the London Stadium.
Elsewhere, Anthony Gordon is suspended and will serve the first game of his three-match ban. In terms of injuries, Lewis Hall and Sven Botman will definitely miss out.
It would be a major surprise if Howe did rest anyone against West Ham. While the cup final is looming, the Premier League is still incredibly important. On top of that, the Magpies could do with a momentum boost ahead of playing at Wembley, and that is more likely to come if Howe picks his strongest XI.
The big decision will be who replaces Gordon on Newcastle’s left. It is a toss up between Joelinton and Harvey Barnes, with the former probably the favourite.