Ladbrokes previews Newcastle vs West Ham in the Premier League
West Ham backed to earn a valuable point at St. James' Park in their bid for survival
Mateus Fernandes tipped to test the keeper, with Dan Burn picking up a booking
Ladbrokes brings you an in-depth match preview for Newcastle vs West Ham including predictions, lineups and expert bet builder tips.
The Hammers arrive with their Premier League status on the line following last week's dramatic defeat, but still carry plenty of hope as the relegation scrap looks set to go down to the final day. Nuno's side have their work cut out against a Newcastle team starting to regain some form, but with little left to play for, could the Magpies be caught out by West Ham's intensity?
Under 2.5 goals to be scored in Newcastle vs West Ham
To match our predicted scoreline of 1-1, the opening leg of our bet builder sees us back under 2.5 goals to be scored at St. James' Park on Sunday, with a lack of attacking quality allowing defences to have the upper hand - for the most part.
Newcastle's win over Brighton a couple of weeks ago was the first time Eddie Howe's team had scored more than once in a Premier League game since the start of March, and with a nervous West Ham side failing to score in three of their last four matches, there's little to suggest that we're in for a goal-fest here.
Neither club will look back on this season with much pride, and with two of the last three meetings featuring under 2.5 goals, we're tipping much of the same on Sunday.
Mateus Fernandes to have 1+ shots on target
West Ham will be looking to Mateus Fernandes to provide a spark on Sunday, with the 21-year-old emerging as a key cog in their midfield this term - and we're backing him to step up at St. James' Park, registering at least one shot on target.
The Portugal international should have scored from a few yards out against Arsenal last week, but has proven time and time again that he's more than capable of drifting into dangerous positions - and considering Newcastle have conceded a goal to a central midfielder in each of their last two matches, we think Fernandes could cause them real problems.
The West Ham man is averaging just under a shot per game, but will be keen to add to his three Premier League goals as he looks to drag his team through the relegation battle - so we're backing 1+ shots on target for Mateus Fernandes this weekend.
Dan Burn to be shown a card
Turning our attention to the cards markets, and we're tipping Newcastle left-back Dan Burn to pick up his 11th card of the season against West Ham, adding to his nine yellows and one red card in the Premier League this term.
Seemingly preferred on the left-hand side over Lewis Hall, Burn will have a difficult task stopping the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville, and Mateus Fernandes, and will likely be targeted by the nippy West Ham forwards - especially given his disciplinary record.
Wrapping up our Newcastle vs West Ham preview and predictions, we're selecting a draw as the fourth and final leg of our bet builder, with two underperforming teams cancelling each other out in the north-east.
While West Ham are the side with something to play for, we're expecting Newcastle to put in a stronger performance for their last home game of the season, ending an uncharacteristically poor home season on a high - which should give them enough of a lift to match the intensity and drive of a desperate Hammers side.
Nuno's visitors have everything to lose going into their final two games of the season, so despite nerves kicking in, their determination should make life tricky for the hosts - so Ladbrokes is backing a draw.
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When is Newcastle vs West Ham?
Newcastle vs West Ham takes place on Sunday, 17 May, with kick-off scheduled for 5:30pm.
Where can I watch Newcastle vs West Ham?
Newcastle United vs West Ham United will be shown live on Sky Sports for UK viewers.
Can you bet on Newcastle vs West Ham?
Ladbrokes are offering customers the chance to bet on a number of Newcastle vs West Ham markets, including over/under goals, both teams to score, and players to be shown a card.
