The Hammers go to Newcastle on Monday night. Lopetegui said, "We are ready for high demands. "In my opinion Newcastle are one of the most complex teams in the league. They have a lot of technical, physical and tactical quality. We have to be aware of that and be ready to compete, and that is what we are all working on.

In their final game of 2023, West Ham United went to the Emirates Stadium and emerged with a 2-0 victory over an Arsenal side boasting Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. Fast forward 11 months and the Hammers head to St James' Park to face Newcastle United on Monday having won away from home just three times since.

West Ham face their own selection headaches. Niclas Fullkrug’s availability remains uncertain due to a lingering Achilles problem, while Mohammed Kudus is still suspended. Edson Alvarez’s return from suspension will bolster their midfield, but the Hammers need more to challenge Newcastle’s dominance.

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game at Newcastle United (kick-off 20:00 GMT). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Lopetegui confirmed there is a "little problem with two players" before the trip to Newcastle but when pressed,

Julen Lopetegui rejects talk of pressure after dismal start at West Ham - The Spanish boss has won just four of 13 games in all competitions this season

Edson Alvarez will return from suspension, and he will likely go straight back in the team, joining Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta in the central roles. Paqueta has been far from his best this campaign, but the Spanish boss continues to pick him in his team.