Newcastle vs West Ham
Venue: St James’ Park
Kick off: 3pm
A nervy and frustrated St James’ Park is ready for the biggest game in Newcastle United’s recent history in Sunday’s (today) meeting with West Ham United.
Needing a win to be certain of staying in the Premier League, Newcastle are under pressure to find form on the final day of the campaign.
After a disastrous campaign on and off the field, Newcastle supporters will be hoping that the squad can just get through the final 90 minutes without suffering more disappointment.
Quite simply, John Carver’s side have just not been good enough in the second half of the season, and their poor form has dragged them into a relegation battle which looked to be unfolding without them a few months back.
Once again Newcastle have been unable to produce anything close to their best after the turn of the year, and they head into the final test without a win since the last day of February.
Frustration with the lack of quality being shown on the pitch is clear and the supporters are expected to protest against owner Mike Ashley after the match whether Newcastle stay in the Premier League or not.
A win will be enough to keep them in the top flight of English football, but another disappointing loss will open the door to Hull City if they manage to record a victory against Manchester United at the KC Stadium.
Sam Allardyce returns to the club he departed in 2008 knowing that he could be the man who sends the Magpies down to the Championship.
The West Ham boss is unlikely to have much sympathy for a club who didn’t really give him a big enough opportunity to enjoy success, and Newcastle fans will look at the Hammers in envy of their safe mid-table finish.
Newcastle possible starting lineup: Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Gutierrez, Colback, R.Taylor, Sissoko, Cabella, Perez, Cisse.
West Ham possible starting lineup: Adrian, Jenkinson, Cresswell, Collins, Reid, Song, Noble, Kouyate, Downing, Amalfitano, Valencia.