Newcastle United vs West Ham United predictions with Paul Merson 'run riot' verdict

Newcastle United return from the international break by welcoming an uninspired West Ham United to St James' Park.

Eddie Howe's side recorded an important 3-1 away victory against in-form Nottingham Forest before the break. They sit just one point outside the Champions League places.

On the other hand, Julen Loptetegui has struggled since taking over from David Moyes in May. West Ham are currently in 14th place with 12 points from their 11 games. Last season, Newcastle came away from the two games with four points as late goals decided the fixtures. Mohammed Kudus' added time strike secured a 2-2 draw at the London Stadium, whilst Harvey Barnes' late brace decided a thrilling contest in the North East.

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As is tradition, a number of Premier League pundits have given their thoughts on the fixture - here are their score predictions.

Chris Sutton

"It feels to me like Southampton’s Russell Martin is the manager who is closest to the edge at the moment but West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is probably not too far behind him," Sutton said in his BBC predictions.

"I was at this game last season, when Newcastle won 4-3 after being 3-1 down, and it was probably one of the results that meant Lopetegui’s predecessor, David Moyes, was not offered a new deal.

"I think Hammers fans have been underwhelmed by what they’ve seen since Lopetegui arrived, because it is not working out under him. As I’ve said before, I don’t quite know what kind of team they are trying to be.

"I don’t see them getting any joy at St James' Park this time, either. Alexander Isak looked back to his best when Newcastle beat Forest last time out, and they should be too strong for West Ham too."

Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 West Ham

Paul Merson

"Newcastle are starting to pick up pace now," Merson stated on Sportskeeda. They have won three in a row and sit just a point off third-place. I can see them winning this game. If they start this game well, they will run riot.

"West Ham go absolutely rinsed 3-0 by Nottingham Forest a couple of weeks back. I don't even know how they beat Manchester United! I worry for West Ham, but I still think they will give Julen Lopetegui a lot more time. If they weren't going to back him, they would have got rid of him after the draw with Everton before the international break.

"If you are counting on Lopetegui to turn it around against Newcastle here and Arsenal next, you are delusional! I don't think he will be there long-term, but he still has time. West Ham have a clash against Leicester coming up in two games' time, that's a cup final and if he does not win, he won't be in the job.

"I'd be shocked if West Ham get anything out of this game. It has Newcastle written all over it. I'm backing the hosts to slaughter West Ham and become a strong candidate in the race for top four."

Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 West Ham

Joe Cole

"I knew there would be pain at the start of this season after David Moyes, who did a great job at West Ham, left the club," Cole told Paddy Power. You know it’s not going well at West Ham when I’m still mentioning Moyes, and it’s nearly Christmas! What he did at the club was incredible. Julen Lopetegui has until Christmas to get a tune out of this team; otherwise, he could be axed.

"He’s spent money, and they’ve brought in players. They need time to settle, but they’re under huge pressure. A trip to Newcastle after an international break isn’t ideal either!

"It’s going to be a tough task, but I’m siding with the draw. It could be a heart-over-head bet, but I’ll back the Hammers to get a result.

"West Ham have players that can hurt you. Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, and Mohammed Kudus are always a threat, but the Ghanaian is banned. Newcastle also have quality all over the pitch. Bruno Guimaraes is pure class, while Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak are constant goal threats."

Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 West Ham

Mark Lawrensen

Also speaking to Paddy Power, he said: "I really, really fancy Newcastle to win this. They haven’t been great overall but they’ve had a couple of good results and they look to have something about them now.

"I think pretty much everyone’s fit and I just don’t fancy West Ham at all making the long trip up to the freezing north!"

Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 West Ham