Newcastle United have been on a very poor run of form in recent months, which is threatening to relegate the team for the second time in three years. The team goes into the weekend’s match against West Ham United looking to get three points, which will put them safely from the relegation zone. The 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool last weekend has put them perilously close to the relegation zone.
They are just five points above Wigan in the final relegation spot. One of the main reasons for this performance has been the absence of defender Fabricio Coloccini from the starting line-up, but Alan Pardew is hopeful that the Argentine defender will return for the West Ham United match.
The presence of Coloccini is going to be extremely important for Newcastle especially given that they will be facing former striker Andy Carroll, who is currently on loan at West Ham from Liverpool. He has been in sensational form over the last few matches. West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald said ahead of the match that Carroll is already expecting a mouthwatering prospect when West Ham taken Newcastle, who are very poor defensively. Pardew recently stated that there was no rift between the teammates despite close sources suggesting otherwise.
“I think Colo’s important this week, no disrespect to the two centre-halves who played against Liverpool. I think his leadership is important. Hopefully, he comes through this week, and we can get him out on the pitch with the armband on,” said Pardew. There is believed to be a great rift between the French contingent and the other players at St James’s Park. Coloccini is thought to be the only person in the dressing room to have the support of both sets of players. His presence will be vital if Newcastle are to win this weekend.
