Newcastle United vs West Ham: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 17.05.2026
One of the matches of Premier League Round 37 will be played on Sunday at St James' Park in Newcastle, where the local side Newcastle United will host West Ham. Here’s my take on the outcome of this clash: the hosts have already shrugged off the threat of relegation, while the visitors take to the pitch under nearly maximum pressure as they battle to retain their place in the Premier League.
Newcastle
Newcastle secured a result in the previous round that finally erased even the theoretical fear of a catastrophic drop to the Championship. Eddie Howe’s team drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest: Harvey Barnes opened the scoring, but former Magpie Elliot Anderson equalised late on. That draw was another reminder of the team’s biggest flaw this season — Newcastle have already dropped 27 points from winning positions, the worst record in the league.
Still, at home, the Magpies remain a dangerous attacking side, despite the overall disappointing season. In 13 of their 18 home Premier League matches, they’ve scored at least twice, and there have been goals for both teams in nine of the last home fixtures at St James’ Park. Howe might once again leave Anthony Gordon on the bench, but after his goal against Nottingham, Harvey Barnes is a strong contender for a starting spot. Injuries continue to sideline Lewis Miley, Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento, and Fabian Schär, while Joelinton has joined the list of doubts with a hip injury.
West Ham
West Ham arrive in a much more precarious position: Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are 18th and trail Tottenham by two points. The 0-1 defeat to Arsenal last round was especially painful — Callum Wilson scored late on, but his goal was overturned after a controversial foul on David Raya. Now the Hammers need a win in Newcastle to guarantee they keep their survival hopes alive heading into the final round.
The Hammers’ main issue is that their attack has almost completely dried up. West Ham have failed to score in two consecutive matches, and have not found the net in any of their last three Premier League away games; a fourth straight blank would be their worst such run since May 2015. Still, the team have positive memories from this fixture: last season they won 2-0 at St James’ Park, and in November they beat Newcastle 3-1 at home, meaning they have a rare chance to complete a league double over the Magpies.
Probable lineups
- Newcastle United: Pope, Hall, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Tonali, Guimarães, Barnes, Woltemade, Ramsey, Osula.
- West Ham: Hermansen, Todibo, Disasi, Mavropanos, Wan-Bissaka, Souček, Fernandes, Diouf, Bowen, Summerville, Castellanos.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Newcastle have dropped 27 points from winning positions this Premier League season — the worst record in the division.
- Both teams have scored in each of Newcastle’s last nine home matches at St James’ Park.
- West Ham have already beaten Newcastle 3-1 in the first half of the season and could secure only their third ever Premier League double over the Magpies.
Prediction
Newcastle are no longer haunted by relegation fears, but their season still feels incomplete and fraught with nerves. Howe’s side often start matches brightly, create chances, and score at home, but tend to stumble late on: conceding 20 goals in the last 15 minutes is a sign of not just fitness, but psychological fragility. West Ham have to take risks, because a draw could leave them dependent on other results. However, the visitors have too many issues with finishing, and their away attack has looked unconvincing for some time. I’m expecting a tense match with goals at both ends, but no clear winner.
