Match: Premier League
Fixture: West Ham United vs Newcastle United
Local Kick-off Time: 14:00, November 2nd
Handicap Prediction:
West Ham United +1 (Asian Handicap)
Home Win + Draw (European Handicap)
Predicted Scores: 0-0, 1-0, 1-1
Predicted Total Goals: 0, 1, 2
Comprehensive Analysis:
West Ham United is currently mired in multiple crises, with its defense collapsing. Regardless of the result of this round, West Ham United will be trapped in the relegation zone. Managers Graham Potter and Carlos Santos have collectively secured only 4 points this season, setting the worst start record in the club’s Premier League history. After Santos’ first game in charge ended in a 1-1 draw with Everton, the team suffered consecutive defeats to Arsenal and Brentford, and lost 1-2 to newly-promoted Leeds United in the last round. The situation of being two goals behind within the first 15 minutes highlighted the fragility of the team’s defense. Currently, West Ham United is at the bottom of the standings with 4 points, 4 points away from the safety zone. More worrying is that the team has conceded 20 goals in 9 rounds, the worst defensive record in the Premier League. If they lose again in this round, they will set an embarrassing club record of losing 8 of the first 10 league games.
In sharp contrast to the home team, Newcastle United has been in unstoppable form recently. They have won 5 out of their last 6 games, including a three-game winning streak of defeating Benfica in the Champions League, Fulham in the league, and Tottenham in the midweek EFL Cup. Eddie Howe’s team has a balanced attack and defense, scoring 9 goals and conceding 8 goals. It is one of only two teams in the league with single-digit figures in both offensive and defensive statistics. However, the team’s away performance is a fatal weakness: they have not won a single Premier League away game this season, tied with opponents West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Nottingham Forest in this aspect. If counting last season, the team’s winless streak in Premier League away games has extended to 7. Nevertheless, the historical head-to-head data gives them confidence: Newcastle has remained unbeaten in six consecutive away games at the London Stadium since 2019.
Summary:
As a mid-to-upper-tier team in the Premier League for many years, West Ham United still has a certain degree of competitiveness in its overall squad. However, the team’s form has declined in the past three seasons, and it has gradually faded out of the European qualification zone. On the other hand, Newcastle United is on the opposite trajectory. It has maintained a strong form in recent years and regularly participates in European competitions. However, Newcastle United is highly dependent on away games this season. So far, they have not won any of their 4 away league games, and none of their opponents are strong teams. In addition, regarding the handicap of this game, the initial line only gave Newcastle United a -0.5 goal handicap, but now it has risen sharply by two levels to a -1 goal handicap for Newcastle United. This is obviously an intentional move to create a certain degree of betting enthusiasm. Therefore, it is advisable to support West Ham United to defend their home ground in this game.
