Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League today - Julen Lopetegui remains without two key forwards for trip to St James’ Park

Newcastle United and West Ham United will go head-to-head at St James' Park in the Premier League on Monday evening.

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.

Lopetegui confirmed there is a "little problem with two players" before the trip to Newcastle but when pressed, refused to give names. He added that Niclas Fullkrug remains out but says that the German "is improving" as he continues to recover from an Achilles tendon injury.

West Ham United will return to Premier League action when they visit Newcastle United on Monday. The Hammers are low on confidence after a dreadful start to the season under manager Julen Lopetegui. West Ham are currently just five points above the relegation zone after winning three of their 11 Premier League matches.

Newcastle is in good form and takes on an underachieving West Ham team whose head coach is on thin ice this Monday. Back the home favorite without hesitation.

However, BBC football pundit Chris Sutton is not expecting any relief for the 58-year-old. He is backing Newcastle to continue their good form on Monday by winning 2-1 against West Ham.

What are West Ham under Julen Lopetegui? It looks like David Moyes football without the swashbuckling counter-attack style that led the club to some special places under his watch. Lopetegui's appointment is turning into one of the big mistakes of the summer.