The last time these two teams met Newcastle United stormed into a 2-1 lead before the break on Tyneside before losing 4-2 with Toon players complaining that the squad's pre-season preparations weren't up to standard - allowing the Hammers to get back into the game.
Since then there has been a change in manager, a change in owner and a change in thinking at St James' Park. Newcastle walk out for games fit and fighting these days and West Ham can expect a different type of challenge in the North-East this time around.
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Lee Ryder's prediction
Newcastle aren't rolling teams over the way they were before the World Cup but they are capable of digging out a result or two. It took an 89th-minute winner against Fulham to net three points at St James' Park and a superb Nick Pope save at Palace to earn a point.
West Ham are improving a bit and have won back to back games against Everton last time out in the Premier League and in the FA Cup away to Derby County. For all that, I think Newcastle will have enough to win this one comfortably and Callum Wilson is due a goal or two.
Referee
Peter Bankes (Lancashire)
Took charge of Newcastle's away trip to Wolves.
Betting
Newcastle are the favourites at 3/5 with Bet 365 while West Ham are 5/1 to get an away win. West Ham's last away win came way back in August at Aston Villa.
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