It’s not beyond the realms of credibility to suggest Newcastle United could, at some stage in Monday night’s Premier League clash with West Ham, boast a forward line with a combined 23 goals against the Hammers.
Who knows, it could be even more if Alexander Isak or Harvey Barnes get on the scoresheet before Callum Wilson comes off the bench, if that’s how Eddie Howe lines his side up at the London Stadium.
It’s been a week of setbacks for United, and while much of the bad news – injuries to Lewis Hall and Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon’s suspension – have been discussed in the context of the Carabao Cup final, Newcastle are acutely aware of the importance of three points against the Hammers on Monday night.
But while it’s easy to focus on the negatives, United will head to East London with some valuable weapons in their arsenal, and a few players who just love to play against West Ham.
None more so that No 9 Callum Wilson. The United striker may probably have to make do with a bench role, presuming Alexander Isak is fit enough to start, but with 12 goals in 15 appearances against the Hammers, you could forgive them for glancing nervously at the touchline as he warms up.
Isak’s ratio is even better. He has rattled in four goals in just five appearances against West Ham, including a double in the same fixture last season. In fact, the shock 2-0 win for the Hammers at St James’ Park earlier this season was the first time Isak has failed to score against them – and he had an effort chalked off for offside.
But it’s not just United’s strikers who have a taste for goals against the Irons. Harvey Barnes has bagged six goals against them in 10 appearances, most memorably that late dramatic double which earned a comeback 4-3 win over David Moyes’ men last season.
Barnes could get the nod to replace the suspended Gordon, but if Howe opts for a Joelinton-Joe Willock combination on the left-hand side, then he would be too short of goals there. The pair have bagged five against West Ham between thern, with two of Joelinton’s three coming a 5-1 win at the London Stadium in April 2023.
Of course that all counts for little when it comes to Monday night’s game – but we all know that’s not how football works, and that the fact Newcastle have not lost on their last FIVE visits to the London Stadium suggests Howe and Co should travel in confidence.
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