Newcastle injury woes could reflect on team’s shutdown

Eddie Howe’s men take on West Ham United aiming for revenge after losing 2-0 at St James’ Park in November’s reverse fixture. Newcastle must do so following a hectic week on Tyneside that has threatened to derail their hopes for the 2024-25 campaign.

If defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup last weekend was not enough, losing Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall only compounded Newcastle’s misery. A mixture of suspension and injuries has deflated the enthusiasm levels around Tyneside but a win against West Ham could get those cup-final hopes back on track.
There was also speculation around Alexander Isak’s fitness – noise Howe rebuffed in his pre-match press conference. The experts, however, are questioning the Toon boss’ honesty and believe that could contribute towards a Newcastle loss tomorrow.
“West Ham are showing signs of improvement under Graham Potter and are going for a third-straight win,” he told BBC Sport. “Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s first problem is who is fit and available.
“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.”
“Some big players like Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Lewis Hall are likely to miss out on this game with injuries and that’s a massive blow for Newcastle. If it weren’t for the cup final next week, I would have backed Newcastle. I think they will be cautious about more players picking up injuries and that might hurt them against West Ham.”

Prediction: West Ham 2-0 Newcastle

Mark Lawrenson

“West Ham have started to build up a bit of a head of steam while Newcastle are starting to pick up a few problems and they’ll all be thinking about the Carabao Cup final,” he told Paddy Power. “Anthony Gordon was a very silly boy at the weekend and he’s out as well so I fancy the Hammers here. They’re doing alright on the quiet and having Jarrod Bowen back for them is so important.”