West Ham United captain Mark Noble has delivered his verdict on Saturday’s opponents Newcastle United.
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While Newcastle are battling to stave off relegation, the Hammers are enjoying their best season for 35 years under David Moyes.
West Ham are right in the mix for the Champions League places.
West Ham eye third place with six games to go as Newcastle look to safety
And the Irons can go third with victory over Newcastle in the lunchtime kick-off tomorrow.
But despite their contrasting seasons and 23 points separating the two sides, Noble has warned his teammates facing the Magpies will be far from easy.
After an impressive win over Burnley last time out the Geordies will have their tails up.
While West Ham are missing key players in the shape of Michail Antonio, Declan Rice and Aaron Cresswell, Newcastle have some of theirs back with Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin fit and looking sharp.
It will be a tough game for West Ham given the circumstances.
Hammers skipper Noble makes it clear what he thinks of Newcastle as a team and a place to play
And Noble was under no illusions speaking to West Ham’s website ahead of the game. The skipper says Newcastle are a good side with great fans and St James’s Park is an excellent place to play football – as long as West Ham win.
“Listen, it’s going to be a tough game,” Noble told whufc.com.
“They’re fighting for their lives and we’re obviously fighting for a different sort of achievement.
“Newcastle are a good side, they’re well organised and they’ve got some good players, so it’ll be another tough assignment. They all are, to be fair.
“It’s a nice place to play and obviously a fantastic stadium and Newcastle have got great fans, but I always say a ground is only nice to play at if you win, otherwise it’s not!”
David Moyes has been handed some respite on the injury front.
Moyes faces big decisions over team selection and formation
Noble should be fit to play after an elbow knock forced him off against Leicester last time out.
And the Scot should have rock Angelo Ogbonna back as well.
Manuel Lanzini should also be fit for a place in the squad after a spell on the sidelines.
Moyes faces a big decision for the game. Does he keep a back five so that he can bring Ogbonna straight back in to replace Cresswell?
Or does he revert to a back four with Ben Johnson likely to get the call at left-back if he does.
There will also be question marks over whether Arthur Masuaku keeps his place after he cost the Hammers two goals when they were 3-0 up and cruising against Leicester.