Newcastle United travel to the London Stadium on Monday to face West Ham United in their final match before the Carabao Cup final.
Eddie Howe’s side is coming off back-to-back defeats, including a 2-1 extra-time loss to Brighton in the FA Cup, and have conceded at least twice in each of their last five matches.
Newcastle sit seventh in the Premier League, trailing the top four by a growing margin each passing week in a rather worrying development during the last few weeks and entering the home stretch of the season.
Their away form has also dipped, with two consecutive league defeats on the road without scoring. A third-straight away loss without a goal would mark their worst such run since January 2021, and adding wood to an ominous fire, the Magpies also lost 2-0 to West Ham at St James’ Park in November.
Meanwhile, West Ham, under Graham Potter, have won their last two league matches, beating Arsenal and Leicester without conceding a single goal. Another victory for the Hammers would mark their first three-game winning streak in the league since December 2023.
Newcastle remain without Lewis Hall, Jamaal Lascelles, and Sven Botman, while Anthony Gordon begins a three-game suspension and won’t be eligible.
Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of [_**NUFC.co.uk**_](http://NUFC.co.uk)
_**On Lewis Hall’s injury...**_
“We’re really disappointed for Lewis. We are devastated for him. He had so much to look forward to.
“He had the cup final and then internationals coming up, he was in really good form. It is a big blow for him and for us.”
_**On Sven Botman’s injury...**_
“With Sven, we have been trying to get him back to full fitness. He was very close to the Brighton game but the day before he felt something again in his knee. This week he has had the same discomfort, so it looks like he will have to have an operation.
“He needs a small operation to clear out some fluid and then he should be fine again... We hope he should be back in about eight weeks.”
_**On a testing week...**_
“It has been one of those weeks that challenges you. In the job that I am in, you need to have a level head, clear thinking and put it into perspective.
“We still have a very strong squad, a very strong team. We are going to miss the players that we are going to lose and that’s a big disappointment, but it is always someone else’s opportunity, and we have to look at it that way.”
_**On facing the Hammers...**_
“It is a huge game for us - that can’t be lost. We can’t lose the focus on the Premier League.
“The focus has been very good from the players this week. I see a determination to do well in the game. It’s always a tough place to go, but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
_**On Joelinton’s return to the Brazil squad...**_
“It’s huge news for him. I’m delighted for Joe.
“He is such a passionate guy. One of highs of Sunday was to see him returning to his best way, running, chasing, winning balls, being a real enforcer for us in that midfield. It is testament to his character that he is back in the Brazil squad.”
_**On remaining united...**_
“We still have everything to play for. All those players coming into the team will feel like they can make the difference.
“You have to be ready to perform, to play. We have been working hard with the players behind the scenes so that everyone can play their part successfully in this period.”
_**Howay!**_
* **Date**: Monday, March 10th
* **Kick-off**: 20:00 BST / 15:00 EST
* **Location**: London Stadium, London (England)
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