Summary: This fixtures pits two teams in contrasting form, with Newcastle's form graph taking a slight dip and West Ham's a slight upward curve. Following a run of 6 outings without defeat, Newcastle drew away to Wigan and were embarassed 5-1 at home to league leaders Liverpool. A dissapointing scoreless draw at Hull in the FA Cup means that a Newcastle side beset with injuries will need to play the return leg next Wednesday evening. In total contrast, West Ham are on a run of 3 wins in a row including a comfortable 3-0 win in the FA Cup over Championship side Barnsley. As hinted earlier, Newcaslte have a host of injuries to contend with as no less than 8 players are unavailable for this encounter. This list includes key figures in Martins, Viduka, Butt, Barton, and the ever present Beye. West Ham retain the services of long term absentee Kieron Dyer, and Scott Parker from suspension.
Verdict: Newcastle's bubble seemed to have burst a fortnight ago when they were swept aside in a 5-1 defeat which could of been much, much worse if it wasn't for the heroics of keeper Shay Given. West Ham is no Liverpool but they are an improving side under the guidance of rookie manager, Gianfranco Zola. Newcastle are depleted in all areas of their team but the key battle for mine is in the middle of midfield. Newcastle will miss the fighting qualities of Butt and possibly Guthrie which will hand the initiative to the energetic Parker and combatitive likes of Mullins and Noble.
Pick: West Ham +0.25, 8/10 @1.86 at Ladbrokes
Final result: 2-2,
+3.44
