Predicted: David Moyes makes four West Ham changes for Newcastle and faces late decision on fifth switch

For Newcastle United, David Moyes will make four changes to the West Ham lineup, with a fifth alteration still up in the air.

As West Ham prepares for their final Premier League match before the break, Newcastle United will visit the London Stadium.

If the Hammers win, they might tie for fourth place on points with the Magpies, who are one point and one spot below them in the rankings.

After outstanding results in Europe for both clubs this week, David Moyes and Eddie Howe both face selection challenges and injury issues.

When Newcastle defeated PSG 4-1 in the previous week, it was one of their best nights in the previous 20 years.

However, West Ham also has reason to be optimistic after their own victory from midweek, when they defeated Freiburg 2-1 in Germany to create a new English record for the most consecutive victories in Europe (17 games).

For Freiburg, where Michail Antonio was absent due to an adductor injury sustained during the weekend victory against Sheffield United, Moyes played well.

Therefore, when in-form Newcastle roll into London, the Scot will be making less adjustments than normal between his European and league squads.

We anticipate Moyes to make four West Ham changes for Newcastle, but a fifth alteration will be decided at a later time.

Fifth change hinges on late Antonio fitness test

In lieu of Lukasz Fabianski, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Thilo Kehrer for the Magpies match, West Ham will start Alphonse Areola, Kurt Zouma, and Emerson.

Pablo Fornals will be replaced by Tomas Soucek in the lone other move.

But if Antonio passes a last-ditch fitness test, there might be a late fifth alteration.

Antonio was facing a last-minute test after not practicing all week, according to Moyes, who stated as much in the pre-game press conference.

If he succeeds, Mohammed Kudus will likely be replaced by him as the fifth member of the starting lineup from the Freiburg match.

Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Newcastle if Antonio fails fitness test:

Areola, Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson, Soucek, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Kudus, Bowen.

Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Newcastle if Antonio passes fitness test:

Areola, Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson, Soucek, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Bowen, Antonio.