Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
In the Monday fixture, Newcastle United, known for their solid defence, will take on West Ham United, who tend to concede in nearly every match, often allowing more than one goal. Does this mean it's wise to back the hosts?
Newcastle United
It certainly seems so. Newcastle United have won their last three matches: two in the Premier League and one in the League Cup. Alexander Isak is in great form, with the Swedish striker scoring in each of these games. In two of them (against Chelsea, 2:0 in the League Cup, and against Arsenal, 1:0 in the Premier League), his goals were decisive. Fortunately, the team is free of injuries in attack, unlike in defence. Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, and Emil Krafth remain sidelined, but Eddie Howe's system has ensured they have conceded no more than one goal in three consecutive matches. They've let in two goals only once in their last eight outings.
West Ham United
As for West Ham United, they've conceded no more than one goal in only half of their recent eight matches. Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and even Nottingham Forest have put three or more past them. The latter also handed them their latest away defeat (0:3). West Ham's recent form (2-1-2) mirrors their 14th place in the table. Teams below them have performed even worse, while above them only a few teams have a similarly poor points collection rate.
Newcastle United vs West Ham United Prediction
In the last five encounters with West Ham, Newcastle United have only won twice but have never lost, meaning a bet on at least avoiding defeat seems sensible. However, we think Newcastle United's current form gives them an edge, so our prediction is a win for Newcastle United.
