Premier League: Newcastle v West Ham match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at St James’ Park

Stewart Downing will be in action for West Ham against Newcastle (GETTY IMAGES)

Alan Pardew blamed the result of Newcastle’s opening fixture to Manchester City on Arsenal’s unwelcome bid for Yohan Cabaye, but if the performance on Monday night sparked by the Frenchman’s absence is a sign of things to come, Newcastle could be in for yet another tough season. Steven Taylor will miss Saturday’s game with West Ham through suspension – Mapou Yanga M’Biwa is likely to play in his place – but the match could come too soon for QPR loan signing Loic Remy.

West Ham look to have built a strong English midfield spine in Nolan, Jarvis, Downing and Cole; that showed as the East London side cruised to victory against newly promoted Cardiff City. Modibo Maiga looks set to retain his place in the Hammers’ starting XI with big summer signing Andy Carroll still out with an ankle injury.

The match will of course mark Alan Pardew and Sam Allardyce managing against their former clubs. Pardew spent three years at Upton Park, leading the club to promotion from the Championship and an FA Cup final in 2006. Allardyce left Newcastle after only eight months in charge back in 2008.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

West Ham 0 Newcastle 0, Premier League, May 2013

Newcastle 0 West Ham 1 (Nolan), Premier League, November 2012

Newcastle 5 West Ham 0 (Best 3, Nolan, Lovenkrands), Premier League, January 2011

STATS…

Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse has now gone eight games without a Premier League goal (Fulham, April 2013)

Newcastle have lost their last three home games.

Kevin Nolan has scored five goals in his last six Premier League games.

Newcastle have failed to score in five of their last seven Premier League games.

West Ham have failed to win 13 of their last 14 away games.

ODDS…

Newcastle to win: 2.38

West Ham to win: 3.55

Draw: 3.45

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm.