Before Kick-Off

A second successive game against a team in claret and blue colours, and a second successive game against a side on the same points at kick off. Unlike Burnley, West Ham have invested well this summer.

That investment was precipitated by a protest at the West Ham-Burnley match on March 8th 2018: fans invaded the pitch, grabbed corner flags, and generally broadcasted that financial backing was crucial. It wasn’t pretty but the message was delivered.

Newcastle United are also battling against inept ownership as well as Premier League opponents. The Magpie Group protests have been going steady, with a boycott planned for the upcoming game against Wolves. Today, an 11th-minute walk-in was planned to mark 11 years of Mike Ashley neglect.