It’s great to compete in the Champions League—it positively impacts both the club’s reputation and its finances. However, if you haven’t won a single trophy in 70 years and finally have a chance to play in a final within a week, even if it’s just the League Cup, all other commitments take a back seat. That’s exactly the situation Newcastle is in. Today they will face West Ham in the 28th round of the Premier League, but their thoughts will largely be focused on March 16 and the League Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley. The Magpies have four league titles and six FA Cup trophies in their collection, but their last triumph dates back to the 1954/55 season. They have reached the League Cup final twice, in 1976 and 2023, but lost both times. Therefore, even though Newcastle desperately needs points in London to improve their position in the league and stay in the race for a Champions League spot, they must also conserve some energy for Wembley. Simply put, Eddie Howe’s team is struggling with numerous injuries, so minimizing risk is essential.Disaster for Newcastle: After Gordon, Hall is also out against LiverpoolOf course, this doesn’t mean Newcastle will wave the white flag against West Ham, but it does mean Howe won’t push players who aren’t fully fit. And there are too many of them. Starting with Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, and Jamaal Lascelles—who are definitely out due to injuries—along with Anthony Gordon, who is suspended. In addition, Kieran Trippier and Alexander Isak are doubtful due to minor injuries.“Isak is feeling better now. He felt exhausted, his whole body was tight. Despite that, he trained all last week. We’ll see before the match, but I think he feels good enough to play against West Ham. Fingers crossed that the whole team will be fit” Howe said ahead of tonight’s match.FA wants lifetime ban for PaquetaInjury issues have contributed to Newcastle losing three of their last four league games. As a result, they currently sit in ninth place with 44 points—five behind fourth-placed Chelsea, which holds the last guaranteed Champions League spot. However, Newcastle does have one game in hand over their competitors. This match is undoubtedly more important for Newcastle than for West Ham. The Hammers are currently 16th in the standings, but they have no relegation worries since they are 16 points ahead of Ipswich and Leicester. They also have no realistic chance of qualifying for Europe, so their main goal for the rest of the season is to try and break into the top ten.However, their morale is definitely high after winning their last two matches. They first defeated city rivals Arsenal (1-0), followed by a victory over Leicester (2-0). West Ham has only managed back-to-back wins once before this season, back in August, and now they will try to achieve three consecutive wins for the first time. In their first encounter this season on November 25, West Ham defeated Newcastle 2-0 (1-0).PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 28SaturdayNott. Forest – Man. City 1-0 (0-0)/Hudson-Odoi 83/Brighton – Fulham 2-1 (1-1)/Van Hecke 41, Pedro 90+8 – Jimenez 35/Crystal Palace – Ipswich 1-0 (0-0)/Sarr 82/Liverpool – Southampton 3-1 (0-1)/Nunez 51, Salah 54 pen, 88 pen – Smallbone 45+1/Brentford – Aston Villa 0-1 (0-0)/Watkins 49/Wolverhampton – Everton 1-1 (1-1)/Munetsi 40 – Harrison 33/SundayChelsea – Leicester 1-0 (0-0)/Cucurella 60/Tottenham – Bournemouth (0-1)/Sarr 67,Son 84(p) – Tavernier 42, Evanilson 65/Man.Utd. – Arsenal 1-1 (1-0)/Fernandes 45+2 -Rice 74/Monday23:00: (3.25) West Ham (3.50) Newcastle (2.30)***odds are subject to change***
