Dear looking forward to Hammers’ Geodie challenge

West Ham United v Newcastle United – Premier League – London Stadium – Sunday (2pm) – Preview

Brian Dear is expecting an absorbing contest when West Ham United entertains Newcastle United in the Premier League at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The sides occupy seventh and eighth place respectively, each with four wins from their opening seven matches: “It should be a cracking contest,” Dear told Yellow Sport.

Of course, we will be keen to get one over them after they thrashed us 5-1 at the London Stadium last season. I remember that match particularly because if you take the first and last ten minutes out of the game, there was very little in it. Newcastle were ruthless in those moments. I think the scoreline was a little harsh on us.

“But that’s what ruthless teams do. When we first moved to the London Stadium, Manchester City and Liverpool used to turn up here and fill their boots. I’d like to think we are better organised and stronger these days.”

Dear continued: “Ultimately, we need to start beating the top teams a bit more regularly if we are going to be recognised as contenders for the top seven. I see Newcastle as a challenger for the top four and with the financial backing they have behind them, that is only going to continue.

“But we’ve been decent this season. Even during the games we lost to Man City and Liverpool, we played reasonably well. Newcastle will provide us with a tough test, but it is an opportunity to prove ourselves against one of the Premier League’s best.”

Brian Dear’s prediction: West Ham United 2-2 Newcastle United

Jeevesie’s prediction: West Ham United 1-1 Newcastle United