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After consecutive league wins (against Portsmouth and Stoke), Gianfranco Zola’s team have started to pull away from the foot of the Premier League. A win at St James’ Park would catapult the Hammers into the top half of the table and they’re 13/5 (Paddy Power) to make it three victories on the bounce. It’s worth noting that the visitors are unbeaten in their last five away matches, including draws at Liverpool and Chelsea. Surely it’s worth taking some of the 6/4 (Stan James) currently available on the Draw No Bet market?

After all, you never know what you’re going to get with Newcastle, whose last three home matches have included a 2-2 draw with Stoke (after leading 2-0), a 2-1 win over Newcastle and a 5-1 humbling at the hands of Liverpool. Nevertheless, with just four wins from ten on home soil, I’d be reluctant to plump for the 6/5 (bet365) about Joe Kinnear’s men. In fact, I’m instead tempted by Boylesports’ 7/1 that the Hammers win the match after being level at the break, something which happened at Portsmouth on Boxing Day.