13 August 2021, 22:09 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Premier League fixture, Newcastle United F.C. vs. West Ham United F.C. kicks off at 14:00 (GMT+1) on Sunday, August 15 at St. James' Park.
Preview Newcastle United Premier League, Aug 15, 2021
Preview After guiding Newcastle United to a 12th-place finish with 45 points last season, Steve Bruce returns with the Geordies, aiming for a top-ten finish at the end of this season. The Magpies return to Premier League action behind a 3-0 victory over the newly-promoted side, Norwich City in a pre-season club friendly held last Saturday. The morale-boosting victory comes after another pre-season club friendly win over Burton Albion FC. The Magpies also picked up a win against Doncaster Rovers FC, 3-2, but lost to York City FC by a lone goal. The pre-season tour handed Steve Bruce the opportunity to assess his squad for the task that lay ahead in the new season. According to reports, Arsenal star, Joe Willock has agreed to personal terms with the club and would be making the summer switch for a permanent stay at Newcastle. The agreement comes after an impressive loan spell that saw him bag 8 goals in 14 Premier League appearances for the Magpies. A six-year deal appears to be on the table for the 21-year-old which could see £25M deposited into the coffers of the Gunners. A win for Steve Bruce on Match Day 1 would be a fine start to the season. As frequently seen, a fluid 3—5—2 formation with the attacking duo, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almirón is anticipated.
Preview West Ham United Premier League, Aug 15, 2021
Preview West Ham will kick off their Premier League campaign on the road behind the pre-season club-friendly match played last Saturday, the 7th of August. The Hammers picked up a 2-0 victory over the Italian Serie A side, Atalanta BC. Finishing in 6th-place last season, the Champions League hopefuls failed to qualify for Europe's most prestigious tournament after missing out by two points while picking up 65. This time around, David Moyes will be aiming to punch well above his weight for a top-four finish with the Hammers. After an impressive pre-season outing that saw them pick up victories over newcomers Brentford, 1-0, Celtic, 6-2, and Reading FC, 3-0, Moyes will certainly have maximum points on his mind on Sunday. Jesse Lingard appears to be on the horizon for a permanent deal after an impressive loan spell with the club last season. An attacking 4—2—3—1 formation from Moyes could see Michail Antonio leading the lines as he hopes to inflict pain on the Magpies. Michail Antonio bagged a total of 10 goals in 26 Premier League appearances for the club last season.