Newcastle, May 17, 2026, 17:04 BST
Kieran Trippier took his place in Newcastle United’s XI for what’s expected to be his last home appearance, with West Ham United naming Callum Wilson up front to face his old club in a fixture carrying big relegation stakes. Newcastle confirmed Trippier—who will depart this summer—was among three switches made by Eddie Howe for the 5.30 p.m. start at St James’ Park.
West Ham carries most of the pressure here. Starting the day 18th on 36 points, they trailed Tottenham Hotspur by two, with only two matches remaining. Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers, meanwhile, had already been relegated according to the table, meaning a drop to the Championship for them.
Newcastle sit 13th with 46 points, left scrapping for respectability after a disappointing league run. Ahead of kickoff, Howe called the match “massive for us” and stressed the need to hold onto their “competitive edge” in the last home game. Newcastle United
Nick Pope started in goal for Howe, with a back line of Trippier, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw. Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães anchored the midfield, while Harvey Barnes, Jacob Ramsey, Nick Woltemade and Will Osula played further forward. Newcastle reported Joelinton sidelined by injury. On the bench: Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Murphy.
West Ham lined up with a three-man defense—Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jean-Clair Todibo, Axel Disasi—shielding Mads Hermansen in goal. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf took their places as wing-backs. Jarrod Bowen wore the armband. Up front, Crysencio Summerville partnered with Wilson, while Taty Castellanos stayed among the substitutes.
Nuno Espírito Santo isn’t looking past the task at hand. The West Ham boss, speaking before the trip, called these “two games” decisive and stressed the need for his team to deliver at Newcastle. West Ham United
The math isn’t straightforward here. If West Ham manage a win, Tottenham will feel the heat ahead of their Tuesday clash at Chelsea. Still, Spurs’ superior goal difference — that’s goals scored minus conceded — keeps them in the driver’s seat, and West Ham could end up needing favors elsewhere. Anything short of a win for Nuno’s men on Monday leaves them vulnerable before the final round.
Tottenham remain the key rival in the survival scrap. According to The Guardian’s live feed, Spurs will be away at Chelsea this Tuesday before finishing their campaign at home against Everton. West Ham, meanwhile, wrap up their Premier League season hosting Leeds United.
There’s a bit more riding on this one for Newcastle. Trippier, the first arrival post-Saudi takeover back in January 2022, ended up as a key figure during the run to Champions League football and a domestic trophy. Howe, speaking before Trippier’s likely St James’ Park sendoff, said the defender was “deserving of that recognition.” Newcastle United
Back in November, West Ham took the reverse fixture 3-1, but that win feels less relevant than the state of the standings now. Sunday, another victory keeps hopes flickering. Drop points, and they could find themselves depending on Tottenham and the math getting ugly fast.
