Preview: Newcastle United vs. West Ham United

Newcastle United welcome West Ham United to St James' Park on Sunday, with one point separating the clubs in the Premier League table.

The Magpies can leapfrog their opponents with a victory this weekend and manager Alan Pardew will be relying on their nine unbeaten home-game record against the Hammers.

West Ham striker Andy Carroll will return to the North East for the first time since he left Liverpool for Upton Park on a season-long loan.

The 23-year-old is likely to come up against Steven Taylor and Mike Williamson in defence, while forward pair Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse are expected to lead the line for the home side.

Carroll is likely to be the lone striker up front for manager Sam Allardyce, with Kevin Nolan and Yossi Benayoun providing service with Matt Jarvis on the wing.

Recent form:

Newcastle: DLDWD

West Ham: WLWLD

Possible lineups:

Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, S Taylor, Williamson, Santon; Ben Arfa, Anita, Cabaye, Gutierrez; Ba, Cisse

West Ham: Jaaskelainen; O'Brien, McCartney, Collins, Reid; Noble, Diame; Benayoun, Nolan, Jarvis; Carroll

Sports Mole says: 2-1