Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is aware of the threat posed by West Ham’s ‘game changers’ ahead of this weekend’s clash between the two sides.
The teams sit level on 12 points, and despite an indifferent start to the season, Benitez believes Manuel Pellegrini’s side have several players capable of deciding the games outcome.
“They have some very good players who can make the difference,” Benitez said.
“Maybe you cannot see it for 80 minutes then in one minute they can change the game, so we have to make sure our players are aware of that.”
Ahead of a busy December schedule, Benitez stated he has no new injury concerns and admitted rotation of a fully fit squad will be necessary through the festive season.
“I have a problem to decide the squad because I have almost everybody available,” Benitez revealed.
“But we have too many games in December, so maybe you need one player for one game but you need to have options.”
Newcastle will be aiming for their fourth consecutive win at St James’ Park whilst West Ham will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s humbling 4-0 home defeat to Manchester City.