West Ham United return to Premier League action this weekend against Newcastle United when they make their longest domestic trip of the season, bidding to stretch their unbeaten league run to five matches.
The Hammers have seen a return to their best form throughout the last month, with Michail Antonio’s first half goal earning a 1-1 draw with high-flying Aston Villa last time out.
An away clash at Newcastle never promises to be an easy ride though, but David Moyes’ charges will be hopeful of picking up three points as the hosts have been in inconsistent form as of late and are beset by injuries.
With so much to play for, both sides will be full of individuals looking to provide the touch of magic required to make the difference on the day, meaning there are a number of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) decisions to be made in the lead up to kick-off.
The Gameweek 30 transfer deadline is set for Saturday 30 March at 11am GMT, an hour-and-a-half before the Irons’ important lunchtime clash at St James’ Park.
While we will be giving you FPL tips and tricks throughout the remainder of the 2023/24 season on whufc.com, see below for some of our picks for the upcoming round…
For the next fixture, all eyes are on Alphonse Areola.
Areola could be pivotal!
If West Ham are to come away with three points from St James’ Park on Saturday, it’s likely going to require another stellar performance between the sticks from Alphonse Areola (£4.3m).
The French international has been selected by 36.5 per cent of FPL managers ahead of this weekend’s contest, with many eagerly expecting another top performance from West Ham’s goalkeeper.
Areola has been a model of consistency for Moyes’ side this season, and returned 13 points in the Hammers’ victory at Goodison Park earlier this month, including a penalty save.
Other options for West Ham this weekend include Jarrod Bowen (£8.0m), who is hard to ignore in his sparkling run of form.
Bowen has netted 18 goals for West Ham United in all competitions this season, and is the Hammers’ top scorer in 2023/24.
He has registered 149 FPL points this season, more than any other West Ham player, while also recording 20 points in the Irons’ 4-2 win over Brentford.
The 27-year-old thought he had scored his first England goal in a 2-2 draw with Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday, only for a VAR check to show he was offside from Declan Rice’s knockdown following a corner.
Opposition watch: Newcastle United
Anthony Gordon (£6.0m) impressed on his senior England debut during the international break and will be bidding to make a late charge towards Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024.
The 23-year-old forward has enjoyed a successful first full season at St James’ Park following his switch from Everton in January 2023, and has been a reliable source for FPL points.
He's had an impressive 17 goal involvements for Eddie Howe’s this campaign, with over 80 per cent of them coming at home, where he’s scored eight goals and provided six assists in 14 appearances.
Gordon has racked up 130 FPL points so far in 2023/24 and West Ham will be aiming to keep him quiet when they meet for a key battle in the quest for continental qualification.
Just ahead of Gordon in attack is Alexander Isak (£7.5m), who could prove a shrewd addition to any team.
The Sweden international forward is Newcastle’s top goalscorer in the Premier League with 12 goals, and has already been selected by 12 per cent of all FPL teams.
He has averaged 4.8 points per match for the Toon this season, is joint-fifth for the biggest chances in the top-flight, and has an eye-catching minutes per goal ratio as well.
Isak also scored a five-minute brace against the Hammers in the reverse fixture at London Stadium in October.
Join Hammers’ supporters’ league!
Don't forget to join the Official West Ham United FPL League by clicking HERE and entering the code 5ycfoa.
Also, congratulations to Billy Green, who is top of the West Ham supporters’ league with 1,884 points heading into Gameweek 30.
