Former Celtic star assesses Newcastle United v West Ham United and makes Champions League claim

One pundit has backed the Magpies to continue their fine home form.
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Former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic star Chris Sutton believes Newcastle United will boost their hopes of securing a place in next season’s Champions League with a home win against West Ham United.

The Hammers travel to Tyneside later today looking to become the first opposing side to take all three points from a visit to St James Park since Liverpool claimed a 1-0 win in United’s penultimate home game of last season.

Michail Antonio and Callum Wilson (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)Michail Antonio and Callum Wilson (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Michail Antonio and Callum Wilson (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
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Since that reverse against Jurgen Klopp’s side, the Magpies have gone unbeaten in their last 13 home fixtures in all competitions after maintaining that impressive run of form in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg win against Southampton.

West Ham have an impressive recent record at Gallowgate, losing in just one of their last four visits and claiming seven points from the other three fixtures during that time. But Sutton has insisted United’s disciplined defence will help them come out on top and tighten their grip on a top-four place.

He told BBC Sport: “Newcastle are in a great position to make the Champions League places now. They are so consistent compared to most of the teams immediately below them, and their big strength is their defence - they are so solid.

“You kind of know how they (West Ham) will be set up at St James’ Park - to sit in, try to frustrate Newcastle and hit them on the counter-attack - while it will be front football from Eddie Howe’s side.

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“Even without Bruno Guimaraes, who is starting his suspension for his red card against Saints in midweek, I think they will find a way through. The fact that Newcastle are so watertight at the back really helps when games are tight. We’ve seen it with them a few times this season already when things aren’t perfect with their performance, but they still get the job done.”