{"id":8307,"date":"2026-05-14T11:38:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T11:38:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=8307"},"modified":"2026-05-14T11:38:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T11:38:08","slug":"two-reasons-why-west-hams-clash-with-newcastle-may-be-tougher-than-fans-realise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=8307","title":{"rendered":"Two reasons why West Ham\u2019s clash with Newcastle may be tougher than fans realise"},"content":{"rendered":"


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West Ham face a must-win game against Newcastle if they want to escape the relegation zone this weekend.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A victory for the Hammers would put them one point ahead of Tottenham, who play rivals Chelsea away on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

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Many believe West Ham have the easier of the two fixtures, given that Newcastle have little to play for.<\/p>\n

Here are two reasons why Nuno Espirito Santo\u2019s side could face a tougher task at St. James\u2019 Park than people may realise.<\/p>\n

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Let us know your prediction for West Ham\u2019s trip to Newcastle! \ud83e\udd1e<\/h3>\n

Our away record has been woeful this season! \ud83d\ude2c<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Two overlooked factors that could make Newcastle game very difficult<\/h2>\n

Newcastle are 13th in the Premier League table after a disappointing season, with no chance of qualifying for European football.<\/p>\n

With no fear of relegation, either, fans would often describe teams in this situation as \u2018on the beach\u2019 in the final few games.<\/p>\n

However, while Newcastle have nothing obvious to play for, they could have two extra motivations on their minds.<\/p>\n

Firstly, the North East club will not want to finish below local rivals Sunderland, especially one year after their promotion.<\/p>\n

Newcastle are two points below Sunderland with two games remaining; the Black Cats face Everton away and Chelsea at home.<\/p>\n

Those tricky fixtures give Newcastle a realistic chance to maintain bragging rights for another season by beating West Ham.<\/p>\n

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Oh wow \ud83d\udc40 How has Tottenham\u2019s draw with Leeds made YOU feel about the relegation battle?!<\/h3>\n

This weirdly feels like a boost?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Secondly, Eddie Howe is under pressure from supporters at St. James\u2019 Park after falling well short of expectations.<\/p>\n

Newcastle were expected to at least finish in the Europa League places, but they have taken a significant step backwards.<\/p>\n

A defeat to a relegation-threatened side in their last home game of the season could be the final nail in the coffin.<\/p>\n

Assuming Howe has not already lost the dressing room, the players may deliver a spirited performance for their manager.<\/p>\n

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