Newcastle United take on West Ham United in the Premier League later today and will be hoping to start the new campaign with a win at home.
The Magpies have an impressive recent head-to-head record against West Ham, winning four of the last five meetings.
Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League table last season and will be eager to break into the top half this time around.
A good start to the season is vital for Steve Bruce’s side, and it will be interesting to see if they can grind out a positive result later today.
West Ham are undoubtedly the better team on paper, but Newcastle have what it takes to beat them.
There will be plenty of pressure on Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin to step up and get the job done at St James’ Park.
Martin Dubravka and Paul Dummett are out injured, and the deal to sign Joe Willock was not completed in time for him to feature in this game.
Freddie Woodman should start in goal for the Magpies.
Newcastle United Predicted XI (3-5-2): Freddie Woodman; Ciaran Clark, Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernandez; Matt Ritchie, Jacob Murphy, Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey; Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson.
Read: Liverpool could offload Xherdan Shaqiri this summer.
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