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Head Coach Prepared For West Ham Threat
Written by Newcastle Utd
Steve McClaren has called on his team to put together a run of form, starting against West Ham
By Dominic Scurr
Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren has called on his team to put together a run of form in the Barclays Premier League, starting on Saturday against West Ham United (3pm kick-off).
The Magpies are currently sat in the top flight relegation zone but a superb performance and a 3-3 midweek draw against Manchester United has lifted the mood on Tyneside.
However, McClaren knows his side will have to be at their best against a Hammers side who currently stand fifth in the table.
"(West Ham) have done really well. (Slaven Bilic) has put together a very good squad," admitted the former England manager.
"I admire and respect Slaven Bilic a lot. He came into a difficult job at a difficult time but has settled straight away.
"West Ham are solid, with good balance and have four or five attackers who can impact a game. That's why they are doing well."
McClaren is also aware of the threat Dimitri Payet can bring to the West Ham team after the Frenchman bagged a brace against the Magpies earlier in the season.
"Payet is a very good player and he's proved it," McClaren continued.
"He's a player we have to look out for but there's other as well. They have many threats but certainly Payet has returned from injury with a bang and is a danger.
"As for us, we've done really well against Manchester United and we've got to start turning the corner and follow up one good result with another.
"It's the second half of the season and it's all about results - that's what we've got to do and we've got the opportunity to do that tomorrow against West Ham."