- Newcastle in must-win clash against Hammers
BY IKENNA NWAFOR
Newcastle United and Hull City will face relegation if they fail to get positive results against West Ham and Manchester United tomorrow.
In the wake of Hull City’s defeat to Tottenham last Saturday, Tiger’s Manager, Steve Bruce was the first to highlight his lamentable record since leaving his glory days at Old Trafford behind.
“We’ve got to beat Manchester United now and I haven’t done that in 17 years,” he said, quickly pointing out the unwanted gap on his managerial CV.
Bruce will not expect any favours from Manchester United tomorrow but insists Hull City are fully capable of toppling his former club to keep survival hopes alive.
“It doesn’t matter who they play, they’re Manchester United,” said Bruce, who helped the Old Trafford giants to win the Premier League title in 1993, 1994 and 1996.
“If you’re representing Manchester United at any level, you’re a good player.
“We’re up against one of the top teams but we’re at home and we all know the importance of it.
“We can’t spend time worrying about the opposition because we’ve shown we’re capable against the best teams.”
He added: “We’ve been to three top clubs, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, and got a result, and then beaten Liverpool at home as well.
“I know we’re capable. We know the magnitude of this game and let’s make sure we take the chance.
“We never really wanted to be in this position but we are and we have to make the most of it.
“We can’t complain at being where we are but there’s still one more chance to get out of trouble.”
Also Newcastle United’s season, and their future in the Premier League, now rests on results on survival Sunday.
The Magpies welcome back former boss Sam Allardyce’s Hammers knowing a victory will guarantee their top-flight survival, despite a terrible slump in form in which they have taken just one point from their last 10 matches.
Any other result at St James’ Park will open the door for Hull City to leapfrog Newcastle on the final day if the Tigers can beat Manchester United at home.
The Magpies surrendered a lead against QPR to lose 2-1 in the Capital, leaving themselves just two points above Hull City who sit 18th.
And while Newcastle’s fate still rests in their own hands, recent form suggests that, despite opponents West Ham not being in great form themselves, they may need Hull’s opponents Manchester United to do them a favour on the final day at the KC Stadium.
Louis van Gaal’s side will likely have little to play for at Hull after their draw with Arsenal left them almost guaranteed to finish fourth – thus securing their target of Champions league qualification.
John Carver has warned relegation would be “unbearable”.
The United coach says he “can’t believe” Newcastle’s season has come down to a final day showdown to avoid the drop.
“It’s the biggest game for six years let’s face it, and I expect them to step up and perform and keep this club in the Premier League.
“We’ve got four or five players here from the last time this team was relegated. They know what it feels like and I watched on TV from a bar, I remember it so well.
Back on November 22, Newcastle climbed to fourth place after six wins in a row.
Now they are fourth bottom and can be overhauled by Hull if the Tigers beat Manchester United tomorrow.
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