In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who made a combined total of 351 appearances for both West Ham and Newcastle United, has claimed it could be a good time for the Magpies to face the Hammers because of their long list of injuries.

By the end of West Ham's 3-2 win against Leicester City, David Moyes had an injury list containing Declan Rice, Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio and Mark Noble, with the latter getting injured on his 400th appearance for the club.

After their 3-0 defeat against relegation rivals Brighton, Newcastle have reverted to a back three, something they have played frequently since returning back to the Premier League in 2017 and they are unbeaten since ditching the split striker system.

Speaking on why this could be a good time for Newcastle to face West Ham and how the Hammers still have players that can cause Newcastle problems, Lee told FFC:

"You would say it is a good time but it's all momentum and confidence which West Ham seem to have at the moment and Jesse Lingard is on fire, but they have got players missing.

"They've got players that can come in and do well so it's going to be a tough game. You can take it one way as they've got a few injuries so it's a good time to play them, but don't forget they're going for the Champions League."

Both sides will see it as a chance to move closer to their respective targets - a win could move Newcastle nine points clear of the relegation zone whereas a win for the Hammers would confirm their place in the top four for another week.

Steve Bruce has a big decision to make over whether or not both Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin are fit enough to start, or if they will be given another cameo from the bench.