Bruce to stifle Moyes in opener
Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United play host to David Moyes’ West Ham United this Sunday, possibly two managers you were not expecting to still be managing in the Premier League by the 2021/22 season but here they are. Moyes having pulled off one of the best managerial seasons at the level of his career in steering the Hammers to a sixth placed finish last term. The Magpies are yet to make a signing this summer, and in that make themselves very likely to be feeling relegation anxieties for much of the campaign once again. If the newly promoted teams can acclimatise well and give themselves a realistic shot at survival, unlike last term, then the Magpies will be right up against it.
Background
Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain is the most noteworthy signature for Moyes’ men, the Frenchman impressed in another loan spell in the capital with Fulham last season despite their relegation to the Championship. Even though Steve Bruce was able to maintain Newcastle’s Premier League status last term, he is not a manager who brings much optimism to a club expected to finish in the bottom half of the table.
The reverse fixture was an opening match of the season last term as well, with the Magpies earning a comfortable 2-0 win. However the campaign’s that followed were very different, and despite losing Jesse Lingard who was influential for the Hammers in the second half of the season, West Ham still come in as rightful favourites just above evens.
The curtain raising match tends to be a little more difficult to predict than other matches, no form to go off and no idea which players are going to hit their straps when. But it can be a leveller, Bruce will be looking to use that to his advantage, probably viewing a point as a decent result.
Said Benrahma should have a much improved season after taking a year to adjust to life in the Premier League, the 26-year-old has the skill and ability to really step up and contribute heavily this term. As West Ham look to do battle both domestically and in European football.
Newcastle will be organised and try to stifle West Ham, not allowing any space in behind for Jarrod Bowen. But the visitors are rightful favourites, it is a goals selection for me.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Big loss, 4-2 Hammers.