West Ham news: Pundit makes ‘terrified’ players claim ahead of Newcastle United showdown
Alex McLeish has claimed the Newcastle United squad could think West Ham are “terrified” of them heading into Saturday’s clash.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Magpies would be flying high after three successive wins.
Eddie Howe’s men head to east London off the back of a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa.
The north east heavyweights beat Leeds and Everton in their two previous games as they look to escape the threat of relegation.
McLeish insisted the Newcastle squad’s confidence will be soaring after such an impressive run of form.
He suggested the Magpies would be looking forward to taking on the Hammers.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “The players just can’t wait to get to the game. That’s what happens.
“Newcastle win their first game and their confidence rises. Then it rises again, oof, and then they go and win their third game.
“They can’t wait for the next game. For the opposition, Newcastle will be thinking: ‘Oh they will be terrified of us coming, with the form we’re in.’
“They have to maintain it. They’ve done three in a row, brilliant. Now they have to try and go for the fourth. If not, try not to lose the game.”
West Ham head into Saturday’s game having secured a point away at Leicester last time out.
Craig Dawson netted an injury-time equaliser to seal a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium.
The Irons sit fifth in the Premier League table, with Newcastle in 17th.
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