Big Sam can come back to haunt Magpies
BEN CLEMINSON PREVIEWS THE FINAL WEEKEND OF PREMIER LEAGUE ACTION
ST JAMES’ PARK will take centre-stage for a dramatic final day of the Premier League season on Sunday, with Newcastle needing all three points against West Ham to ensure their safety.
After a sour sacking by the Magpies back in 2008, don’t expect Sam Allardyce to take any pity on his under-pressure managerial counterpart John Carver, in what is likely to be the last game for both men at their respective clubs.
The Hammers have slumped in form since the turn of the year, with just three wins in 2015 – but that’s still one more than a woeful Newcastle.
The Geordies have been abysmal of late, and there’s little to suggest that this won’t be their 11th winless game in a row.
With QPR already relegated, many tipped Newcastle to take the spoils at Loftus Road last weekend, but a dispiriting defeat suggested that they lack the heart for the fight.
West Ham managed to halt Newcastle’s six-game winning-run under Alan Pardew back in September through Aaron Cresswell’s solitary goal.
They will face a far more down-trodden team with the weight of 50,000 angry fans on their shoulders this time around.
Newcastle have cancelled their end-of-season awards as the campaign draws to a bitter end, with supporters also planning to ‘occupy’ the pitch at full-time in protest to Mike Ashley’s unpopular regime.
Selling Newcastle’s supremacy at 0.75 with Sporting Index therefore looks like a decent bet, while a win for a pressure-free West Ham who are sitting comfortably in mid-table is a tasty 7/2 with Betway.
West Ham have only hit the back of the net twice in their last five, with Allardyce having to rely on Carlton Cole for goals after injuries to the likes of Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho.
Newcastle are also lacking firepower and confidence, and Papiss Cisse’s return from suspension hasn’t helped.
They have only notched two goals themselves this month, while the last five meetings between the sides have produced an average of just over a goal per game.
Spread bettors should look to sell goals at 3 with Sporting Index as this promises to be a tense and tight encounter.
▪ Pointers…
West Ham at 7/2 with Betway
Sell Newcastle supremacy at 0.75 with Sporting Index
Sell total goals at 3 with Sporting Index