West Ham United v Newcastle United Betting Preview

Back West Ham to beat Newcastle at the London Stadium

West Ham United

The David Moyes revolution is in full flow at West Ham. The Hammers are unbeaten in their last three in the league, and despite a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup in midweek, they look a much tighter and more dangerous unit than what we saw under Slaven Bilic earlier in the season. A convincing 3-0 win over Stoke last time out in the league gave them a much-needed confidence boost, albeit they faced a very poor Stoke side. And after taking four points from home ties against Arsenal and Chelsea they certainly won’t fear an out-of-form Newcastle team this weekend.

They can’t get carried away, however, as they currently sit 15^th in the table, only two points above the relegation zone. Despite their recent run of good form they’ve only won four of their 18 league games this season and they’re far from safe as we reach the half-way stage. They’ve also only found the net eight times at home, only bottom side Swansea have managed fewer (5), however they haven’t conceded in any of their last three and they come up against a Newcastle side struggling in front of goal – I fancy their chances.

Newcastle United

It’s now four successive league defeats for Rafa Benitez and Newcastle United following their 1-0 loss to Arsenal last weekend. How they failed to score was a mystery, but also a worry that a side looking confident going forward are struggling to convert. The defeat means they now have no wins in their last nine, and only one in their last 13, with their sole victory in that period coming against Crystal Palace back in October.

The Magpies are sitting dangerously in 18^th position, two points off safety but only three points off rock bottom. Their away record won’t fill them with confidence either, as it reads one win in nine games – with six defeats. A visit from Manchester City follows on Boxing Day, before hugely important fixtures against fellow strugglers Brighton and Stoke, so Benitez needs to turn things around at St James’ Park over the Christmas period to avoid his side falling further away from safety.

Head-to-Head

Newcastle have won the last two encounters between the sides, including a comfortable 3-0 league win back in August. The Magpies have, however, lost on their last two visits to West Ham, and failed to score on both occasions. The home side has come away victorious in all of the last five meetings between the two, and West Ham look to have a good chance of continuing that record today.

To score – Aaron Cresswell 9/1

Cresswell is the only current West Ham player to have scored against Newcastle for the Hammers, apart from Mark Noble, who misses the game through injury, back in 2008. The left-back netted in his side’s 1-0 home win back in November 2014. He’s featured in 17 of West Ham’s 18 league games so far and always poses a threat down the left-hand side when going forward. With odds of 9/1 it might be a risk worth taking.

Both teams to score – No 10/11

Newcastle have failed to score in three of their last four visits to the Hammers, and given their current struggles in front of goal I think they may find it difficult to break David Moyes’ side down this time around. However, they have scored in their last three away matches in the league. I’m backing ‘no’ at 10/11.

Match odds – West Ham United 11/10

Newcastle know they have to start winning games soon, and considering West Ham’s home record this season is no better than average they’ll go into the game with hope of taking something away from the London Stadium. The Hammers have finally found their rhythm and are looking to go four league games unbeaten for the first time this season – the players and the fans will be up for this one and I’m backing them to claim another three points at 11/10. A draw is priced at 12/5 or you can back odds of 29/10 for a Newcastle win.

Writer’s Prediction: West Ham United 2 v 0 Newcastle United

*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.