Clash of Fortunes: West Ham United Host Resurgent Newcastle United at London Stadium
As the crisp autumn air settles over London, a Premier League encounter fraught with contrasting fortunes looms large at the London Stadium. On November 2, 2025, West Ham United, languishing in the lower echelons of the league table, will lock horns with a high-flying Newcastle United side. This fixture arrives at a critical juncture for both clubs: West Ham, under new management in Nuno Espirito Santo, are desperate to arrest a worrying slump, while Newcastle aim to consolidate their top-half ambitions and secure a rare away victory in the current campaign. Can the Hammers, reeling from a string of defeats, ignite their season against a confident Magpies outfit? Or will Eddie Howe’s men extend their impressive run and deepen the crisis in East London? The stage is set for a captivating Sunday afternoon showdown.
Head-to-Head: A Rich History, Recent Newcastle Dominance
The history between West Ham United and Newcastle United is extensive, with 145 previous meetings across all competitions. Newcastle holds the historical advantage, having secured 60 victories compared to West Ham’s 44, with 41 matches ending in a draw.
Recent Premier League Encounters (Last 5 Meetings):
- March 10, 2025: West Ham United 0 – 1 Newcastle United
- November 25, 2024: Newcastle United 0 – 2 West Ham United
- March 30, 2024: Newcastle United 4 – 3 West Ham United
- October 8, 2023: West Ham United 2 – 2 Newcastle United
- April 5, 2023: West Ham United 1 – 5 Newcastle United
Recent history strongly favours the Magpies, particularly at the London Stadium. Newcastle have avoided defeat in their last six Premier League away games against the Irons, a run stretching back to a 2-0 loss in 2019. Notably, the March 2024 fixture at St. James’ Park saw a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory for Newcastle after being 3-1 down, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess. A dominant 5-1 win at the London Stadium in April 2023 further highlights Newcastle’s ability to perform on West Ham’s home turf.
Current Form & Team News
West Ham United
West Ham enter this match in alarming form. They are currently enduring a dismal three-game losing streak in the Premier League and find themselves 19th in the table after nine rounds. Their overall league performance for the 2025/26 season has been “Very Poor,” with a record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 7 losses. Their last outing was a 2-1 defeat to newly-promoted Leeds United on October 24. The pressure is mounting on new head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who is yet to secure a league win since taking the helm.
Team News: The Hammers are grappling with several key injuries. Greek defender Dinos Mavropanos is sidelined with a hamstring injury, expected to be out for up to six weeks. Left-back Oliver Scarles underwent surgery for a broken collarbone and faces a prolonged period out, with a potential return in late December. Striker Niclas Fullkrug is also unavailable due to a hamstring issue with no clear return timeline. George Earthy is continuing his recovery from a thigh/hamstring problem and is likely to miss this fixture.
Newcastle United
In stark contrast, Newcastle United arrive with momentum, having secured a three-match winning sequence across all competitions, including victories over Benfica, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur. Their last Premier League match saw them defeat Fulham 2-1 on October 25. While they are still seeking their first top-flight away win of the current term, their strong overall performance in the 2024/2025 season saw them finish 5th in the Premier League with a record of 20 wins, 6 draws, and 12 losses, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.
Team News: Newcastle’s injury list is also considerable, but some players are nearing a return. Left-back Lewis Hall is very close to rejoining the squad after a hamstring injury and could be in contention for the matchday squad. However, Yoane Wissa (knee), Tino Livramento (knee, out until after the international break), and Harrison Ashby (long-term thigh issue) remain sidelined. William Osula is a doubt with an ankle knock. Key midfielders Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, who have been dealing with illness and a knock respectively, were included in a predicted XI, suggesting they may be available.
Tactical Preview
Under Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham are likely to maintain a structured approach, perhaps favouring a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. However, their recent struggles highlight significant defensive vulnerabilities, particularly against through balls, counter-attacks, and set pieces. They also exhibit weaknesses in finishing scoring chances and avoiding fouls in dangerous areas. Key players like Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta will be crucial for any attacking impetus, especially with Niclas Fullkrug sidelined. The predicted XI suggests a new-look defense with Todibo and Kilman at the back, flanked by Wan-Bissaka and Diouf. The midfield battle will see Tomas Soucek alongside potentially Fernandes and Magassa, tasked with disrupting Newcastle’s rhythm.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle typically deploy an aggressive, high-pressing style, often in a 4-3-3 setup, emphasizing attacking down the right and attempting through balls. Their midfield trio, potentially featuring Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton, offers a formidable blend of creativity, industry, and defensive steel. Attackers like Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, or the new addition Woltemade could exploit West Ham’s defensive frailties, especially with the Hammers struggling to stop opponents from creating chances. Newcastle’s robust defensive line, featuring Trippier, Botman, and Burn, will aim to contain West Ham’s attacking threats.
Environmental factors at London Stadium are unlikely to play a significant role beyond typical English autumn conditions. However, Newcastle’s recent European commitments might introduce an element of travel fatigue, which West Ham could look to exploit, despite their own dip in form. Newcastle’s struggles to secure an away win this season in the league could also add psychological pressure, but their current winning streak across competitions suggests strong morale.
