Joelinton was woefully isolated in last week's draw against Wolves. The signs today are that getting more support to the number nine is something Newcastle are looking to do more.

Thoughts on Allan Saint-Maximin? Can't make my mind up. Looks like a Match of the Day player from what I've seen.

Another thrilling run from the blond-dreadlocked Frenchman. Another dead end hit.

Steve Bruce looks quite solemn as he skulks the touchline. Not much for that demeanour to change in the opening five minutes.

Newcastle sitting back in numbers. Quelle surprise.

Bruceball is evident straight away with the flamboyant Allan Saint-Maximin trying to catch West Ham on the break.

Shot not troubling Hammers keeper Roberto.

Felipe Anderson hasn't scored this season. And he doesn't here. A weak effort is scooped up by Martin Dubravka.

Quick reminder of the two teams? You betcha.

West Ham: Roberto, Zabaleta, Balbuena, Diop, Cresswell, Rice, Yarmolenko, Noble, Snodgrass, Felipe Anderson, Haller. Subs: Lanzini, Sanchez, Fornals, Ogbonna, Fredericks, Martin, Ajeti.

Newcastle: Dubravka, Yedlin, Fernandez, Lascelles, Clark, Willems, Almiron, Hayden, Shelvey, Saint-Maximin, Joelinton. Subs: Dummett, Carroll, Gayle, Krafth, Darlow, Matthew Longstaff, Atsu.

Referee:Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire)

Toot toot! Game on. West Ham have the honour.

Applause rings around the London Stadium as Sir Trevor Brooking and David Gold lay wreaths in the centre circle.

Then the bugier purses his lips and puffs out a perfect, poignant rendition of the Last Post in the final act before kick-off.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce: "The lack of goals is an issue we have worked on in the training ground. They are smashing them in from all angles on the training ground. When the real ball comes out it is a different story.

"The front three are all still settling in. Maybe Almiron has had longer than Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin. Yes, we are aware of it and we have to improve on it but I think we will get there."

Image source, Reuters

West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini: "I may have never lost a match against Newcastle United, but I don't think the statistics are important to win the game.

"Newcastle have played a lot of difficult games against the big teams. Results show that, no matter who we play, we must anticipate a tough game."

Final word goes to the two managerial masterminds...

The brass band I mentioned a few moments ago is part of the Hammers' Remembrance commemorations in their nearest home matchday to 11 November.

Patrons from the Royal British Legion will provide a Guard of Honour, ahead of wreath laying and a giant Remembrance pitch display.

And a minute's silence with a Last Post bugle performance will take place in the moments before kick-off.

Start up the machine! Here come the bubbles. And here come the players.

Andy Carroll wanders out of the away dressing room with what looks suspiciously like a hot coffee as the two sets of players gather in a luxurious tunnel which has the space and comfort of an airport lounge.

John Murray
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator

West Ham and Newcastle's most recent successes were rousing home victories over Manchester United. However, last weekend both went in front at home but ended up with unsatisfying 1-1 draws.

For West Ham it means a run of five matches without a victory in all competitions. Having taken only one point from their last two fixtures at the London Stadium, the pressure will be on them to win this one against a limited Newcastle side.

Steve Bruce's team has scored only seven goals in their 11 league and cup matches this season. That is why he has challenged his players to pose a greater threat to the opposition. It remains open to question as to whether they're capable of doing that.

Relax everyone... Sir Trev is in the house. All is good.

Stratford had the feel of a right old war-time East End knees up a few minutes ago, with the melodic strains of a pitchside brass band filling the air.

No sign of Ewan McGregor or Tara Fitzgerald though.

Hello there! So...

The Hammers haven't won in their five matches since 22 September.

Newcastle have once in their past eight. And they can't score.

Anyone expecting a classic?

Image source, Reuters

Odds on the big man to come on and score the winner?

Image source, PA

The news from the West Ham team sheet is... there is no news.

Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini names exactly the same starting XI and bench as last weekend's 1-1 draw against Sheffield United.

Image source, #bbcfootball

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce makes two changes from the 1-1 home draw against Wolves - and it is the Longstaff brothers who make way.

Sean's absence is enforced after he was sent off last weekend, while younger sibling Matty drops down to the bench.

That enables Jonjo Shelvey to make his first start since the end of September, with Isaac Hayden also coming back in for the first time since that red card at Leicester.

Former Hammers striker Andy Carroll is back on the bench after injury.

Image source, #bbcfootball