Premier League Saturday preview: Newcastle must avoid Hammer blow

It is a bitesize Saturday in the Premier League — but one that could have big implications at the bottom of the table.

Newcastle face Champions League-chasing West Ham at lunchtime knowing a point could be enough to relegate Sheffield United, who travel to Wolves. 

Newcastle vs West Ham (12.30pm, BT Sport)

Struggling Newcastle can take a giant leap to safety with victory at St James’ Park — but they will have to beat in-form West Ham to do so.

Following up last weekend’s success at Burnley with three more points against the Hammers would open a nine-point gap to the drop-zone ahead of Fulham’s trip to Arsenal on Sunday.

But the Hammers know a strong end to the season will see them qualify for the Champions League for the first time.

And since boss David Moyes returned to the club last December, they have not lost to a side in the bottom half of the table.

Yet the sight of Callum Wilson lining up for Steve Bruce’s men will send shivers down the spine of West Ham fans, considering he has netted eight goals in nine games against them.

Wilson, 29, may be handed his first start since returning from a hamstring injury but Ryan Fraser (groin) and Jamaal Lascelles (foot) remain out, while Manuel Lanzini (knock) could return for the Hammers.

Wolves vs Sheffield United (8.15pm, Sky Sports)

Wolves can put the final nail in Sheffield United’s Premier League coffin with victory over the Blades at Molineux.

If Newcastle avoid defeat, Paul Heckingbottom’s side will need a point to delay the inevitable, while they could still have their Championship place confirmed before they play again with Burnley in action on Sunday and Brighton in the week.

Mid-table Wolves are looking for back-to-back Premier League wins for just the third time this season but will not welcome many more appealing visitors than the Blades, who have lost 13 of their 15 away games this season.

After seventh-placed finishes in each of their two seasons back in the top flight, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sit 12th in the league ahead of this clash — six points adrift of Aston Villa in 11th.

Willy Boly (coronavirus) is in line for a recall for the hosts, while Blades skipper Billy Sharp (thigh) and Oli McBurnie (foot) have been ruled out for the rest of the season.