Newcastle can secure fourth straight league win if they exploit weak link Masuaku

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After a horrible run of fixtures to start the season, Newcastle United have found their feet in a gentler period in recent weeks.

Rafa Benitez’s side have put together three one-goal wins in a row and find themselves in 13th place as they prepare to host Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham tomorrow.

The Hammers are below the Magpies on goal difference so the match represents yet another winnable assignment for Benitez and his players.

If the Spaniard is looking for weaknesses in his next opponent then one presented itself last weekend as Manchester City ran riot at the London Stadium, wracking up a 4-0 win.

Arthur Masuaku’s defensive instincts have never been as strong as his attacking ones and he struggled badly as the reigning champions poured through in east London en route to yet another comfortable victory.

Of course, Benitez’s Newcastle will not attack quite so relentlessly but the rapid Kenedy was fielded out on the right as they picked up a 2-1 victory against Burnley on Monday night and has the ability to trouble Masuaku if Pellegrini trusts him again.

It would be something of a surprise if Aaron Cresswell wasn’t picked instead, but if Masuaku gets the nod, Newcastle must take full advantage.