Newcastle are not having a great start to 2024. The Magpies have conceded more goals than every side in the league other than Sheffield United, and are adrift in the doldrums of mid-table, a far cry from their high-flying campaign in 2022/23. They welcome seventh place West Ham to St James' Park on Saturday as they try to right the ship.
Newcastle first goalscorer odds: our picks
Newcastle are under pressure to turn things around. In the dugout, Eddie Howe needs to get things back on track to protect his job as manager, and the club need to get back up the table, and into the European places to prevent being forced to sell one of their stars this summer.
Newcastle’s form at St James’ Park, normally imperious, has also taken a dip. Though they beat Wolves last time out at home, they still have just one win in their last four on their own turf. Scoring the opener against West Ham is absolutely essential to get St James’ Park rocking again.
Alexander Isak – 4/1
One of the biggest assets in the Newcastle squad is Swedish striker Alexander Isak. The 24-year-old is the Magpies top scorer with 12 goals in 20 Premier League appearances.
The striker possesses a delightful touch and turn of speed for a 6ft3in player, with elegant ball-striking and clever movement. Isak has played more in his preferred role this season, and with increased responsibility, on account of Callum Wilson’s struggles with injury.
This could, however, be the final season Isak spends on Tyneside. Newcastle’s early exit from the Champions League, and unlikeliness to finish in the European places mean they may have to sell Isak to meet the Premier League’s strict Profit and Sustainability Rules.
West Ham will defend deep, and Isak’s twinkling feet may be just what the Magpies need to unlock their defence. It’s not hard to see why he’s the favourite to net the opener in this clash.
Anthony Gordon – 15/2
Second favourite to net the opener in this fixture is Anthony Gordon. The former Everton winger has shown why Newcastle shelled out £45m for him last January this season, with big goals against Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Gordon is an energetic and lively player, who thrives on the frenetic atmosphere that St James’ Park provides. This is borne out in the stats. Of Gordon’s nine league goals, only two have come away.
Gordon is an excellent finisher on the break, as he showed with his stunning strike against Manchester City. With a first call-up to the England squad now under his belt, the 23-year-old would be delighted to open the scoring against West Ham.
Harvey Barnes – 15/2
Harvey Barnes has made a strong start to life on Tyneside. He scored and assisted on his debut against Aston Villa, despite only being on the pitch for 22 minutes. But a cruel injury in the 8-0 win at Sheffield United in September has since derailed his season.
Barnes only made his comeback in the 4-4 draw with Luton, though he did score. Barnes has the opportunity to make only his second league start since his return from the treatment room.
The 26-year-old’s goalscoring record, however, is excellent. Last season, the Englishman netted 13 goals from wide, in a Leicester team that was relegated. With four previous strikes against West Ham, don’t bet against Barnes.
Miguel Almiron – 11/1
Eternally smiley Paraguayan international Miguel Almiron, like many at Newcastle, has not had as productive a campaign as last season. The 29-year-old scored 11 Premier League goals last season, but only has three this campaign, with just two months to go.
However, poor finishing does not last forever. If Almiron keeps getting high quality chances, which he often does thanks to his blistering pace and relentless work-ethic, he will eventually get back on the goal trail. An opener against West Ham would get Almiron’s confidence flowing once again.
Fabian Schar – 25/1
Since Switzerland international Fabian Schar joined Newcastle, only a handful of players have more goals for the Magpies in the Premier League than his 13 goals.
Schar is a big goal threat. But not only with his head as one would expect from a centre-back. He also has an excellent right foot, and has scored some stunners from distance in his time on Tyneside. He also possesses great box instincts for a defender.
Schar is in top form in 2024. After a brace away to Aston Villa in February, the 32-year-old scored again against Nottingham Forest in March.
For more Premier League first goalscorer tips, check out our Chelsea first goalscorer tips.
