After two league defeats Newcastle could do with a win but will be wary of the aerial threat posed by West Ham’s Andy Carroll on the former local hero’s latest return to Tyneside. If Rafael Benítez has problems, so does his opposite number. Slaven Bilic is well aware of the persistent rumours suggesting West Ham would not be averse to replacing him with a Newcastle counterpart openly unhappy with Mike Ashley’s transfer market parsimony. Louise Taylor
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue St James’ Park
Last season n/a
Referee Neil Swarbrick
This season G1, Y2, R0, 2.00 cards per game
Odds H 5-4 A 2-1 D 12-5
Newcastle United
Subs from Woodman, Haïdara, Gámez, Atsu, Diame, Murphy, Mitrovic, Joselu, Saivet, Barlaser
Doubtful Aarons (match fitness)
Injured Yedlin (hamstring, Sep), Dummett (hamstring, Oct), Lejune (ankle, Oct), Darlow (thigh, unknown)
Suspended Shelvey (last of three)
Form LL
Discipline Y5 R1
Leading scorer n/a
West Ham United
Subs from Adrián, Fonte, Masuaku, Byram, Fernandes, Obiang, Haksabanovic, Henry, Browne, Quina, Sakho, Carroll, Lanzini
Doubtful Carroll, Lanzini (both match fitness)
Injured Reid (calf, 11 Sep)
Suspended Arnautovic (second of three)
Form LL
Discipline Y3 R1
Leading scorer Hernández 2
