Newcastle United vs West Ham August 24, 2013

Tweet

West Ham United started off their new season with a win against Premier League new boys Cardiff. Sam Allardyce was very happy with his sides performance and in particular that of his two goal scoreres Joe Cole and Kevin Nolan, Nolan in particular looks almost ageless as he continues to provide a goal threat and get up and down the pitch. With Andy Carroll sidelined at the moment West Ham will look to Ricado Vaz Te and Maiga upfront withnew signing Stewart Downing also expected to start on the wing. The former winger is sure to get a tasty welcome from Newcastle fans as he was big part of Middlesborough's team for a couple of years and played in many a Tyne/Wear Derby.

Monday night we seen the return of the Premier League spotlight to Manchester City and their opponents were Newcastle United, the magpies thrust into the public eye on Monday were far from impressive. Although there were some late line up changes with Yohan Cabaye left out of the team and the Newcastle cause definitely was not helped when Steven Taylor was sent off just before half time.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was not impressed with his side's performance Monday but to be honest the team put up a decent effort throughout the game, the problems lay with the sending off and the gap in quality between Manchester City's front four and Newcastle's front two who really struggled to impose themselves in the game. The Magpies return home on Saturday though and the confines of St James Park will be rocking for the arrival of West Ham United and their former boss Sam Allardyce.

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew will try to pick themselves up from a 4-0 drubbing at the Etihad Stadium when they welcome West Ham United to St James' Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies, who have lost their last three home fixtures, found themselves completely overwhelmed by an impressive Manchester City side - now under the leadership of Manuel Pellegrini - on Monday evening.

Alan Pardew voiced his anger at the timing of Arsenal's bid for midfielder Yohan Cabaye, which subsequently saw him left out of the squad that travelled to the North West.

Now that the bid has been rejected and the matter dealt with - at least for now - the Frenchman is expected to take his place against the Hammers.

However, Argentine winger Jonas Gutierrez is likely to miss out through injury, while Steven Taylor will be suspended after getting sent off against City.

Meanwhile, the only man missing the Hammers, who beat Premier League newcomers Cardiff City in their opening fixture, is former St James' favourite Andy Carroll (heel).

Newcastle United vs West Ham August 24, 2013

Newcastle: Krul, Debuchy, Coloccini, Yanga-Mbiwa, Anita, Tiote, Obertan, Ben Arfa, Sissoko, Gouffran, Cisse

West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O'Brien, Collins, Reid, Noble, Diame, Nolan, Jarvis, Cole, Maiga