 | #10. West Ham United versus Newcastle UnitedLocation: Upton Park (London)Date: Saturday, October 23 Time: 12:30 p.m.Eastern Records (W-D-L, +/-, Place): West Ham, 1-3-4, -9, 20th Newcastle, 2-2-4, +0, 16th |  |
English Premier League Week 9 Preview: Newcastle Travel To West Ham In A Relegation Six Pointer
While Newcastle striker Andy Carroll’s week has been a tumultuous one, a week that’s seen him charged with assault and witnessed his Range Rover torched to ashes by unsuspecting assailants, it’s also a massively important week in the grand scheme of Newcastle’s ability to avoid the drop in their first season back to the Premier League.
While the Toon travel to Upton Park in London to face bottom of the table West Ham, it’s the Hammers, although in the midst of a terrible season, who are currently unbeaten in four matches. The late match on Saturday featuring 20th and 16th in the table has early season relegation implicatins written all over it while it’s ability to thrill Premier League fans may prove a step too daunting.
Projected Lineup, West Ham United (4-4-2): Green - Jacobsen, Ben Haim, Upson, Ilunga - Barrera, Parker, Noble, Dyer - Piquionne, Obinna
Projected Lineup, Newcastle United (4-4-2): Krul - Perch, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique - Guthrie, Barton, Tiote, Gutierrez - Nolan, Ameobi
Key Battle: While West Ham has only one league goal from open play this season, look for Newcastle to press early, often and hard in attempts to kill the game off before the half. While enjoying better form than the opening weeks of the season, West Ham don’t remain in 20th for nothing. Their ability to create chances in front of goal is weak (level worst with Wigan at 6 goals scored) while their ability to defend is equally as poor (2nd worst in the league with goals conceded at 15).
Battle Within The Battle: Watch for the midfield battle to heat up quickly after the opening whistle. While Joey Barton and Scott Parker fight for supremacy in the center of the pitch, keep an eye on Cheick Titoe as the Ivorian has impressed in recent weeks for Newcastle as a central midfielder. Also, former Portsmouth striker Frederic Piquionne is slowly starting to rediscover his best form up front for the Hammers. If Piquionne gets decent enough service, he's a quick and dangerous striker that'll score goals this season for West Ham. In fact, Piquionne may be West Ham's best chance of staying up.
Pick: I’m afraid matches often considered relegation six-pointers rarely live up to the hype associated with them. Late Saturday afternoon, this match has draw written all over it. After West Ham go up early through a penalty, Newcastle equalizes mid way through the second half in an overall lackluster affair, 1-1.
See More:
