The Premier League returns this weekend after the international break, but Newcastle United fans will have to wait until Monday to see Eddie Howe in action.

Dan Burn fears that Newcastle have lost momentum because of the international break, but a game under the floodlights at St James’ Park gives the Magpies the perfect opportunity to pick up where they left off.

If Newcastle win, they will have won four games in a row. West Ham United are desperate for three points and Julen Lopetegui is already fighting to keep his job after a disappointing start to his tenure at the London Stadium.

A Newcastle United victory would cause the Spaniard even more suffering, as Paul Merson expects.

Paul Merson predicts Newcastle v West Ham

As part of his predictions for Sportskeeda for the Premier League, Merson has predicted that Newcastle United will beat West Ham United on Monday night at St James’ Park.

“Newcastle are now starting to step up the pace,” he said.

“They have three wins in a row and are just a point off third place. I can see them winning this game. If they start the game well, they will come out swinging.

“West Ham washed Nottingham Forest out completely a few weeks ago. I don’t even know how they beat Manchester United! I’m worried about West Ham, but I still think they will give Julen Lopetegui plenty of time. If they hadn’t backed him, they would have got rid of him after the draw with Everton before the international break.

“If you are counting on Lopetegui to turn things around here against Newcastle and then against Arsenal, you are delusional! I don’t think he’ll stay there long-term, but he still has plenty of time. West Ham have a clash with Leicester in two games, it’s a cup final, and if he doesn’t win, he will no longer be in that position.

“I would be shocked if West Ham get anything out of this game. It’s got Newcastle written all over it. I back the hosts to smash West Ham and become a strong contender in the fight for the top four.”

Newcastle United’s recent result against West Ham
A 3-0 win would be quite resounding, but it would also be Newcastle’s most decisive home win over West Ham since August 2017.

In recent years, Newcastle United’s record against the Hammers has been pretty good, despite some very tense affairs.

Last season, the Magpies came from 3-1 down to win this encounter 4-3. On the road, Newcastle and West Ham played to a 2-2 draw.

In the last ten meetings between the two teams, Newcastle United have won five times, drawn four times and lost once.

Recent history and current form dictate that the Toon will win this time, which is why Paul Merson has backed Eddie Howe’s team. Let’s hope he is right in his prediction, although Newcastle have problems with their centre backs in this game.

Dan Burn is suspended while Emil Krafth is injured. This means that Lloyd Kelly will start for Newcastle.

Newcastle are hoping to get Callum Wilson back into their team. He hasn’t played a minute all season, but he has scored more goals against West Ham than against any other opponent.