‘I suppose’ - Eddie Howe highlights key area for Newcastle United to nail down

The Magpies travel to the capital aiming for revenge after November’s defeat at St James’ Park. Back-to-back wins over Arsenal and Leicester City have given the Hammers a much-needed boost under Graham Potter, who replaced Julen Lopetegui as manager in January.

Results across the Premier League over the weekend have plunged Newcastle to ninth - albeit three points behind Manchester City in fifth. That does, however, ramp up pressure ahead of a huge clash in the capital.

Howe has acknowledged Potter’s tactical acumen and Newcastle’s need to control the central areas against West Ham. He told reporters: “Graham's work is there, you can see it in their performances. A really good result against Arsenal, an excellent performance that wasn't by luck. I thought they played very well. 

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“Against Leicester, they did the job they needed to do from their perspective. We know going to play any team that Graham manages will be flexible. They'll be very strong in the middle of the pitch and we need to be ready for a difficult game.”

Howe also suggested an eight-day break following the FA Cup defeat to Brighton was a blessing in disguise. He added: “I suppose in that sense it hasn't been that bad a week after all. I think that was perfect for us because we have an eight-day gap. 

“We needed a couple of days where we just refreshed, regrouped and then came back together and got everything out of our system; the Brighton result, the injuries that we've suffered. 

“I've been pleased with the response this week. It's a long wait for the West Ham game. The period over the weekend is always quite long when you're playing on a Monday but, in some senses, it increases our preparation time.”