LONDON, England – West Ham has only won three of its 20 home games this century, but Newcastle United has won all five of their encounters with the Hammers. Another victory is probably in order here.

Can Newcastle United keep up their strong play? The Magpies defeated high-fliers Nottingham Forest 3-1 at the City Ground last time out after rallying from a goal behind. Alexander Isak equalized the score before Joelinton and Harvey Barnes’ goals sealed the win.

After eliminating Chelsea from the EFL Cup and defeating Arsenal at home before that triumph on the banks of the River Trent, Eddie Howe’s club, which had lost five league games, is now enjoying three straight wins. As a result, the Magpies started the weekend in seventh place, threatening to move into the European spots and are clear favorites to keep winning.

That’s because West Ham United, who begin the weekend of the 14th only five points above the drop zone, will make the handy 275-mile trip north on a Monday night. The Hammers’ lackluster goalless draw against Everton at the London Stadium last time out did little to lift spirits, and it’s safe to say that new manager Julen Lopetegui has yet to win over many fans.

The Irons have only won three games this season, have lost four away games since August, and have been thrashed by both Nottingham Forest and Spurs, their bitterest rivals, losing a key player in each of their most recent trip games. Another crushing loss at St. James’ Park will not boost Lopetegui’s confidence ahead of Saturday’s London derby against Arsenal because the Spaniard is still undoubtedly under pressure.

After receiving his fifth yellow card of the season at the City Ground, Dan Burn has been suspended, and Joelinton and Fabian Schär are treading the same tightrope in this situation. Because Sven Botman, Emil Krafth, Kieran Trippier, and Jamaal Lascelles are still out, Lloyd Kelly is destined to start in defense. After two long-term injuries and then an eczema case—a fairly odd football injury—Matt Targett, who returned to the bench two weeks ago, may make his Premier League debut for the first time since a trip to West Ham thirteen months ago.

Sandro Tonali, who has started all six of Italy’s Nations League games this season, is currently unable to sneak into the starting lineup ahead of Sean Longstaff. Finally, after his goal off the bench in Nottingham, Harvey Barnes is anticipated to start wide-left, even though Joelinton had been playing further forward lately.

West Ham United vs. Newcastle United expected lineup: (4-2-3-1): Gordon, Barnes, Isak; Longstaff, Guimarães, Joelinton; Pope; Livramento, Schär, Kelly, Hall.

After scoring during Sweden’s victory over Slovakia last weekend, Alexander Isak is looking to add to his five club goals this season and score in a fourth straight Premier League match.

After a one-match suspension, Edson Álvarez might make a comeback, but Mohammed Kudus is still unable to play because this is the fourth game of his lengthy five-game sentence. Alphonse Areola should be available in goal, but Julen Lopetegui might continue to use Łukasz Fabiański, who has been back in the lineup for the past three games. After missing the first game due to suspension, Michail Antonio did not play in either of Jamaica’s matches against the United States last week. He also did not travel to St. Louis because he misplaced his passport, which some believe is a false pretext, though that won’t be a problem when he travels to Tyneside. If cautioned, Lucas Paquetá will not play against Arsenal on Saturday.

Fabiański; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Álvarez, Souček, Paquetá, Bowen, Summerville; Antonio are the probable starting lineup for West Ham United vs Newcastle United (4-5-1).