Historically, games between West Ham and Newcastle are always entertaining.

In 145 matches between the Hammers and Magpies, the fixture has averaged three goals a game.

Newcastle have had the better of things overall down the years, winning 60 to West Ham’s 44 with 41 draws in all competitions.

But West Ham won the last meeting, pulling off a shock 2-0 victory at St James’s Park after the November international break.

That result has typified the seasons of both clubs.

For West Ham it was one in a series of false dawns which gave Julen Lopetegui a stay of execution and ultimately resulted in a wasted season.

The Hammers went on to lose 5-2 to Arsenal and 3-1 at Leicester after that win.

Newcastle went into that match in brilliant form but missed some excellent chances to lose unexpectedly with a full strength team out.

Eddie Howe’s men continue to show inconsistency ahead of the return fixture at the London Stadium.

That is putting the Geordies under massive pressure.

Howe knows he must get sixth-placed Newcastle back into Europe but just six points separate six clubs down to Brentford in 11th in that particular race.

In fact if West Ham manage to beat Newcastle they would close to within eight of Howe’s side with 30 points still to play for.

Newcastle admit defeat ahead of West Ham

So it is a big game for the visitors while West Ham can approach it as something of a free hit.

Newcastle players may be somewhat distracted against the Hammers too.

Because they have their big Carabao Cup final against Liverpool looming six days later.

It looked like the stars were aligning for Graham Potter ahead of the clash.

His rejuvenated Hammers have the chance to make it three consecutive Premier League wins when Newcastle come to east London.

Potter would be feeling especially confident, though, after Newcastle suffered a double whammy ahead of the game.

Howe’s double blow is terrible news for Potter and West Ham

Gordon was sent off for pushing Jan Paul van Hecke in the head during Newcastle’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton.

And one of the world’s hottest strikers, Isak, is also a serious injury doubt after coming off in that game. No risks will be taken with him given the cup final is looming large.

On paper that looks like a major boost for the Hammers given how important Gordon and Isak have been for Howe’s side.

Newcastle had confirmed they were considering appealing Gordon’s sending off.

But they have now admitted defeat and will not ask the FA to consider overturning the winger’s red.

That means the England man will definitely not face West Ham.

But it’s actually terrible news for Potter and he may not realise it.

Potter may not realise Newcastle blow is bad for West Ham

Because fans know exactly what it means.

The man who will fill in for Gordon is Harvey Barnes – who has become a real West Ham bogeyman.

Barnes was the man who inflicted that 4-3 defeat on the Hammers this time last year to derail the club’s European qualification hopes.

He – as well as Kalvin Phillips and some terrible refereeing – is the reason West Ham are watching their rivals enjoying European adventures in midweek while they are sat at home for the first time in four years.

Barnes has more goals and assists against West Ham than anyone else alongside Villa with six in 10 games as well as two assists.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Isak’s replacement is even worse.

Here come the Hammers bogeymen

After spending most of the season out injured, the original West Ham bogeyman Callum Wilson is back fit and ready to play.

Wilson’s goal record against the Hammers is ridiculous.

The 33-year-old is linked with a move to east London every transfer window. Is it any wonder given how he plays against them.

Wilson has a whopping 12 goals against the Hammers in 15 games.

That’s more than he’s scored against any other club by a distance.

Only Michael Owen (17) and Wayne Rooney (20) had more goals and assists against West Ham in their careers.

So the fact Gordon and Isak are out may not be the boost new boss Potter thinks it is.

Because bogeymen Wilson and Barnes will be filling in.