West Ham host Newcastle United this Saturday with Manuel Pellegrini needing a result to get their season back on track.
Since beating Manchester United on 22 August, the Hammers are winless in five games to put pressure on Pellegrini.
The West Ham boss needs a victory to prove that win over the Red Devils was not a false dawn, and that he is the right man to take the club forward.
However, Steve Bruce's Magpies - who they themselves beat United on 6 October - have only conceded two goals in their last three games, and look a tough nut to crack.
Premier League preview
West Ham vs Newcastle United
Premier League 2019/20
Venue: London Stadium
Kick-off time: 3pm, Saturday November 2
West Ham team news and injuries
Luzasz Fabianski remains out of action for West Ham. Jack Wilshere and Winston Reid are on the comeback trail but unlikely to be ready, while Michail Antonio is more likely to return after the international break.
Sean Longstaff is out for Newcastle following his red card against Wolves last week. Andy Carroll and Matt Ritchie should be in contention, while Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune may be fit enough to return.
Tickets
For West Ham ticket information, click here to head to the club's website.
Head to Head record (H2H)
Newcastle edge this fixture with 55 wins to West Ham's 42, and 37 draws. The Hammers won 3-0 at St James' Park last December and 2-0 in east London this March, though the Magpies won 1-0 in this summer's Premier League Asia Trophy friendly.
Betting tips and odds
Match odds
- West Ham at 4/5
- Draw at 29/10
- Newcastle at 7/2
Correct score
| Scoreline | West Ham win | Newcastle win | Draw |
| 1-0 | 13/2 | 12/1 | 0-0 (10/1) |
| 2-0 | 8/1 | 20/1 | 1-1 (6/1) |
| 2-1 | 7/1 | 12/1 | 2-2 (12/1) |
| 3-0 | 13/1 | 55/1 |
|
Odds provided by Betfair. Click here to place a bet. Odds correct as of 9am on Friday, November 1.
Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Newcastle
Newcastle have looked a tighter outfit in recent games, and West Ham will need a bit of quality to unlock Bruce's side.
The Hammers do have that quality, but Pellegrini will need a couple of underperforming players to step up.
Expert view: Alan Smith
I don’t know how much influence Pablo Zabaleta exerts in West Ham’s dressing room.
My guess is that everyone looks up to this model professional who has always set incredibly high standards throughout his long career. And how the Hammers could do with emulating those standards just now.
With just two points gained from their last four games, veteran Argentine Zabaleta’s winning mentality could do with catching on within a squad not short on talent.
A victory against Newcastle would get the ball rolling again.
Live stream details and TV channel information
West Ham vs Newcastle will not be available live in the UK.
But you can follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog.
