Kieran Trippier is set to play his final match as a Newcastle United player at St James’ Park this weekend.
Newcastle host West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday (5:30pm kick-off) in a game that is shaping up to be significant for several reasons.
Not only is is set to be Trippier’s final Newcastle match in front of a home crowd, the game itself will have a significant impact on the relegation battle.
Tino Livramento’s injury, followed by Lewis Miley’s, were expected to result in a recall for Trippier to Newcastle’s starting line-up.
But since the 35-year-old announced he would be leaving Newcastle when his contract expires in June, he is yet to start a match.
Kieran Trippier secret clause
Miley was initially preferred at right-back to Trippier before head coach Eddie Howe opted to play another player out of position in Lewis Hall for the 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest last time out.
When asked why Trippier hasn’t started in recent weeks, Howe told The Gazette: “Obviously, Kieran’s future has been revealed, so I’m focusing on the players we have here next season.”
The Gazette understands there is a clause in Trippier’s contract that would entitle him to a bonus should he reach an appearance threshold.
But Howe denied that the clause was a reason why Trippier has not been starting games in recent weeks.
“Absolutely not, I’ll make football decisions,” the Newcastle boss added.
But Trippier could be set for a recall and farewell appearance against West Ham on Sunday.
A huge game at St James’ Park
The Hammers currently sit two points from safety in 18th in the table but would climb out of the bottom three at Tottenham Hotspur’s expense should they beat Newcastle this weekend. Spurs would then have the opportunity to go back ahead of West Ham with a midweek trip to Chelsea before a final day showdown.
But if Newcastle win, the Hammers could be relegated before they next kick a ball if Spurs were to go on and beat Chelsea.
Although Newcastle could still technically still qualify for Europe as things stand, it’s likely that the chance of that happening will be over by the time they kick off late on Sunday.
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