West Ham United’s clash with Newcastle United on Wednesday night is likely to produce an intriguing battle in midfield between close friends Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes.
The Hammers will be looking to build a three point gap to the relegation zone when the Magpies visit the London Stadium. But it will not be easy against Eddie Howe’s men who have surpassed expectations this season as they close in on qualifying for the Champions League next term, with Newcastle currently 3rd in the table with 11 games to play.
Brazilian midfielder Guimaraes has been one of the most influential figures in the Magpies squad since his £40million move from Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais in January 2022.