Football Predictions

Tonight, the London Stadium plays host to a compelling Premier League clash between West Ham United and Newcastle United, kicking off at 8:00 PM GMT. With West Ham showing signs of life under Graham Potter and Newcastle juggling their ambitions ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, this promises to be a tactical battle over-shadowed by other competing priorities for Newcastle.

West Ham’s Slight Resurgence Under Graham Potter

West Ham have begun to find their footing under new manager Graham Potter, who took the reins just two months ago. After a shaky start, winning only once in his first six matches, the Hammers have now strung together consecutive Premier League victories for the first time in nearly a year, including a 2-0 triumph over Leicester last time out. Potter’s influence is starting to show, with a renewed emphasis on structure and attacking intent. The London Stadium faithful will hope this resurgence continues as they aim for a third straight win, a feat that would signal genuine progress under the former Brighton boss.

Key to this upturn has been the return of talismanic forward Jarrod Bowen, who has shaken off injury rust to rediscover his spark, and the potential availability of Brazilian star Lucas Paqueta, spotted back in training after an ankle issue. Potter himself has downplayed concerns over Paqueta’s fitness, saying, “He’s worked hard to get back on the pitch and has been really good with us.” However, long-term absentees Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug remain sidelined, while Crysencio Summerville is unlikely to return before the international break

Newcastle With One Eye on the Carabao Cup Final

Newcastle, sitting 9th in the Premier League, arrive in London with their sights split between this fixture and their looming showdown with Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on March 16th. Eddie Howe has guided the Magpies to their second final in three years, but recent form has been patchy—W-L-D-W-L in their last five league games—reflecting a squad stretched by injuries and suspensions. While a top-five finish and Champions League qualification remain in play, the allure of silverware could see Howe’s focus subtly shift toward Sunday.

The injury list is a growing headache for Howe. Sven Botman (knee) faces surgery and an eight-week layoff, Jamaal Lascelles (knee) is out, and Lewis Hall’s season-ending foot injury has robbed Newcastle of their first-choice left side for the final. Winger Anthony Gordon’s suspension, following a red card against Brighton, rules him out tonight and for Wembley, while Alexander Isak’s fitness is a concern after feeling “a bit tight” in that FA Cup defeat. Howe, however, insists Isak is “good” after training all week. With Callum Wilson (hamstring) and Lewis Miley (ankle) also absent, Newcastle’s depth will be tested.

Key Statistics

• Head-to-Head: West Ham edged Newcastle 2-0 at St. James’ Park earlier this season, ending a run of three straight defeats to the Magpies.

• Home Form: West Ham’s 4-2-7 record at the London Stadium this term is modest, but they’ve won two of their last three home league games.

• Newcastle’s Defence: The Magpies have conceded in the first half in each of their last five matches across all competitions, a vulnerability West Ham could exploit.

• Goal Trends: Newcastle have scored in 10 of their 13 away games this season, while West Ham have netted in their last four home outings.

Betting Insights

Our bet tonight will be focused closer to the West Ham team as we feel Newcastle are a bit of an unknown entity tonight and may field a significantly changed team. Our expert betting insights are as follows, when combined in a treble pays just over 2/1: