Storm Eunice could hit Newcastle United’s preparations for tomorrow’s clash at West Ham admits Magpies boss Eddie Howe.
West Ham face a rejuvenated Newcastle at the London Stadium this Saturday.
It is a big game for both teams for very different reasons.
West Ham are desperate for a win in a bid to keep pace with the race for the top four having dropped down to fifth by virtue of Manchester United’s victory over Brighton in midweek.
Newcastle meanwhile are looking to push on in their bid to secure survival after three straight wins made it five Premier League games unbeaten for the Magpies.
West Ham threw away a 1-0 lead but managed to secure a last gasp draw at Leicester in a topsy turvy 2-2 draw last time out.
David Moyes should, more or less, have a fully fit squad available to him bar long-term absentee Angelo Ogbonna and injury doubt Arthur Masuaku when Newcastle come to the London Stadium.
West Ham were boosted by the confirmation that brilliant Newcastle January signing Kieran Trippier will miss the game after fracturing his foot in their 1-0 victory over Aston Villa.
And now Eddie Howe has admitted Storm Eunice could hit Newcastle’s preparations for West Ham.
The Magpies boss says Newcastle were due to fly to London on Friday.
But with a red warning in place from the Met Office, Newcastle may now instead be forced to make the near 300-mile trip by road in a coach instead.
Howe has also admitted preparations on the training pitch have been impacted too as a result of Darsley Park being open to the elements.
Storm Eunice could hit Newcastle preparations for West Ham admits Eddie Howe
“We’re planning to fly to London this afternoon but we’ll wait and see if there’s any change to our flight,” Howe told the press (Sky Sports News 12.12pm Friday February 18).
“We’re prepared to travel by coach if needed so we’re waiting to see on that.
“Our training has been disrupted by heavy winds. I mean our training ground is exposed to the wind anyway so it’s been difficult this week in very strong winds.
“But nothing else has affected us so we’re all good.”
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