A nervy and frustrated St James' Park is ready for the biggest game in Newcastle United's recent history ahead of Sunday's meeting with West Ham United.

Needing a win to be certain of staying in the Premier League, Newcastle are under pressure to find form on the final day of the campaign.

Newcastle

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After a disastrous campaign on and off the field, Newcastle supporters will be hoping that the squad can just get through the final 90 minutes without suffering more disappointment.

Quite simply, John Carver's side have just not been good enough in the second half of the season, and their poor form has dragged them into a relegation battle which looked to be unfolding without them a few months back.

Once again Newcastle have been unable to produce anything close to their best after the turn of the year, and they head into the final test without a win since the last day of February.

Alan Pardew may not have been popular, but even his harshest critics will surely admit that the team were not heading for this much trouble before he packed his bags and joined Crystal Palace.

Frustration with the lack of quality being shown on the pitch is clear and the supporters are expected to protest against owner Mike Ashley after the match whether Newcastle stay in the Premier League or not.

Carver, who looks certain to step aside in the summer, will be hopeful that the protests take place with their Premier League status secure, but whether the anger of the supporters produces a reaction from Ashley remains unclear.

Investment has been repeatedly called for by fans and ex-players, but there is still a lot of work to be done before the focus can switch to the transfer market.

A win will be enough to keep them in the top flight of English football, but another disappointing loss will open the door to Hull City if they manage to record a victory against Manchester United at the KC Stadium.

Recent form: LLLLDL

West Ham

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Sam Allardyce returns to the club he departed in 2008 knowing that he could be the man who sends the Magpies down to the Championship.

The West Ham boss is unlikely to have much sympathy for a club who didn't really give him a big enough opportunity to enjoy success, and Newcastle fans will look at the Hammers in envy of their safe mid-table finish.

However, an excellent first half to the season and staying well clear of the relegation battle doesn't seem to be enough to please the hierarchy at Upton Park as rumours continue to swirl about Allardyce's future.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the Hammers will be changing managers this summer, but Allardyce is set to be informed that his contract will not be renewed when his agent meets with the club on Monday.

Rafael Benitez and Slaven Bilic are among the coaches to have been linked with a move to East London, and they may be wise to listen to Allardyce, who has made it clear that he believes no-one could do a better job than he has done during his time at the club.

It is certainly difficult to argue with a manager who has taken West Ham back to the Premier League, and with the team currently sitting level with Everton on points and goal difference, a top-half finish is still within reach with 90 minutes left in the season.

Recent form: DLDWLL

Team News

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Carver went public with his criticism of Mike Williamson following the defender's red card in the loss to Leicester City earlier this month, but he could be in line for a recall as he prepares to return from suspension.

The Newcastle boss must decide whether to risk Papiss Cisse from the start as the Senegalese forward continues to battle with a knee problem.

Siem de Jong could provide another attacking option after shaking off a thigh injury, while Jonas Gutierrez is set to start on what could be his final game with the club.

West Ham have Kevin Nolan available after the midfielder missed the defeat to Everton due to a family bereavement, while James Tomkins is set to return to the squad.

Newcastle possible starting lineup:
Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Gutierrez, Colback, R.Taylor, Sissoko, Cabella, Perez, Cisse

West Ham possible starting lineup:
Adrian, Jenkinson, Cresswell, Collins, Reid, Song, Noble, Kouyate, Downing, Amalfitano, Valencia

Head To Head

Moussa Sissoko was sent off in the reverse fixture at Upton Park in November when an Aaron Cresswell strike was enough to earn West Ham a 1-0 victory.

The Hammers have lost just one of their last four away fixtures to Newcastle, but their win in November 2012 is the only triumph from the last 11 trips to St James' Park.

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We say: Newcastle 1-1 West Ham

West Ham have very little to play for in the final game of the season and reports have suggested that the players took most of the week off. However, they will be allowed to be positive from the start, which could cause problems for a Newcastle side lacking in confidence. Newcastle need to get back to their best, but a draw looks more likely and they could be forced to rely on help from Manchester United.

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