It would be fair to say that Pablo Zabaleta enjoys facing Newcastle United.
In ten career appearances against the Magpies for his former club Manchester City, the right-back ended up on the winning side on nine occasions.
Zabaleta has also recorded three assists against Newcastle – more than against any other opponent bar Hull City – and West Ham United’s new No5 is targeting another positive experience when the Hammers head to St James’ Park in the Premier League on Saturday.
With both teams still pointless after two rounds of top-flight fixtures, the 32-year-old also knows the importance of continuing his personal outstanding record to his new employers.
“It’s a tough place to go but it’s a crucial game for us and for them, as both teams lost their opening two games of the season,” observed Zabaleta, who is expected to return after being rested for the midweek Carabao Cup second-round win at Cheltenham Town.
“We are looking for our first Premier League win of the season. It’s a shame that we lost the last game at the end, but there were a lot of positive things to take from Southampton, especially our attitude and the spirit of the team.
“We all know each other better and we have players coming back from long-term injuries, so we will improve.”
One of those returning players is Manuel Lanzini, who will undoubtedly boost West Ham’s chances of success on Tyneside.
The Argentinian has been out of action since injuring his knee in pre-season training in Germany a month ago, but is expected to be part of the travelling party on Friday afternoon.
With former Magpie Andy Carroll and Cheikhou Kouyate also in contention, Zabaleta is feeling optimistic.
“Manu was one of the main players for West Ham last season and he is one of the best players in the squad,” he said of his compatriot. “Of course, he, Andy Carroll and Cheik are all important players and hopefully we will have all of them available on Saturday.”
Manu was one of the main players for West Ham last season and he is one of the best players in the squad
Pablo Zabaleta
While Lanzini, Carroll and Kouyate could all feature at St James’ Park, one player who will not make the trip to the North East is Marko Arnautovic.
The Austrian is suspended after being sent-off in the 3-2 defeat at Southampton last weekend and has since apologised for his offending challenge on Saints defender Jack Stephens – a move that has been endorsed by his new teammate Zabaleta.
“We had gone down to ten men after Marko’s reaction, but he came out and apologised to everyone,” said the defender.
“We all make mistakes and it’s good he has shown that respect to everyone. Now it’s time to move on and think about the next game.
“I’m really confident that the team will improve in the next few games, but we need to get a good result this Saturday.”
West Ham United’s third Premier League fixture of the season kicks-off at Newcastle United at 3pm on Saturday 26 August, with Live coverage on whufc.com from 1pm.