Newcastle will be looking to build upon their encouraging midweek point against Manchester United when they welcome high-flying West Ham to St James’ Park on Saturday.
Dynamic Croatian manager Slaven Billic has implemented an effective, attacking style of play since his appointment at the Boleyn Ground over the summer, and the recent return of talismanic French forward Dimitri Payet makes the Claret and Blues formidable opponents.
The free-scoring Hammers beat Bournemouth 3-1 on Wednesday night to stretch their unbeaten run to eight games and climb within one point of fourth placed Tottenham in their unlikely quest for a Champions League spot.
Newcastle showed that they have the stomach for the fight by battling from behind on two separate occasions in their rip-roaring 3-3 draw with Man United, and Steve McClaren will be desperate for his relegation-threatened side to avoid yet another false dawn by earning a positive result this weekend.
The last time the two sides met West Ham ran out as comfortable 2-0 victors through Payet’s brace, and Newcastle will have to be at their very best if they are to triumph against a Hammers side that are currently in their best run of form for 15-years.
The recent additions of midfielders Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet is sure to breathe fresh impetus into the Magpies’ ranks, and both players are set to make their Newcastle debuts this Saturday.
Ahead of the game, we decided to construct a combined XI of players from Newcastle and West Ham.
The formation is 4-2-3-1.