West Ham kick off their 2021/22 Premier League season away to Newcastle United on Sunday as David Moyes looks to balance domestic targets with a European adventure.
The Hammers enjoyed a stellar 2020/21 campaign, finishing seventh and missing out on Champions League football by just five points... but Europa League qualification means Moyes’ men are set for a few trips to the continent this term.
The real trick will be ensuring West Ham make a strong start to the League campaign while the fans and players are busy dreaming of Europe, and games like their opening-day trip to Newcastle will be key to their grand plans this term.
The Hammers have yet to replace Jesse Lingard after the attacker returned to Manchester United on loan, so there will be pressure on Moyes’ other creative players to step up and provide goals.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Newcastle vs West Ham is scheduled for a 2pm BST kick-off on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at St James’ Park.
Where to watch Newcastle vs West Ham
TV channel: The match will be televised on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the match online via the website or Sky Go app.
Newcastle vs West Ham team news
Newcastle new boy Joe Willock will not make the squad. The 21-year-old midfielder completed his move from Arsenal on Friday afternoon, but was not registered before the 12 noon deadline and will have to wait until next weekend’s trip to Aston Villa for his first appearance as a permanent signing.
Fellow midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has recovered from a calf problem and is available for selection, but keepers Martin Dubravka (foot) and Karl Darlow with the lingering effects of Covid-19 are out, meaning Freddie Woodman will make his Premier League debut.
West Ham have a couple of doubts ahead of their trip to the north east. Angelo Ogbonna picked up a hamstring injury in the pre-season friendly win over Celtic while Manuel Lanzini (groin) is also a fitness concern.
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola could make his competitive debut having joined on loan from PSG.
Newcastle provisional squad: Woodman, Gillespie, Manquillo, Krafth, Lewis, Clark, Fernandez, Lascelles, Schar, Shelvey, Hayden, Willock Ritchie, S. Longstaff, M. Longstaff, Hendrick, Murphy, Fraser, Anderson, Saint-Maximin, Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton, Gayle.
West Ham provisional squad: Fabianski, Areola, Randolph, Coufal, Johnson, Dawson, Ogbonna, Alves, Diop, Cresswell, Masuaku, Noble, Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Lanzini, Bowen, Yarmolenko, Benrahma, Antonio.
Newcastle vs West Ham prediction
It hasn’t been a glorious summer transfer window for the Hammers, but they will back the quality in their squad to hit the ground running on Tyneside.
West Ham to win 2-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Newcastle wins: 58
Draws: 38
West Ham wins: 42
Betting odds and tips
- Newcastle to win: 11/5
- Draw: 5/2
- West Ham to win: 5/4
- Michail Antonio anytime goalscorer: 6/4
