The Magpies host the Hammers at St. James' Park (kick-off 8pm GMT) looking to make it four wins in a row, with their run of victories over Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest seeing them into the international break on a high.

After a two-week gap since the triumph at Forest - in which Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento made their senior England debuts, and Anthony Gordon bagged his first England goal - United could move up as high as third in the Premier League table with a win on Monday.

And on Friday morning, head coach Howe spoke of the need for his side to continue their encouraging recent run when Julen Lopetegui's men arrive on Tyneside. Here are some of the key talking points from his pre-match media briefing:

On last season's stunning comeback win over the Hammers, when the Magpies came from 3-1 down to win 4-3...

"For the neutral it would have been a brilliant game. The most important thing for us was, from a really difficult position, that we showed that spirit that we've always had, that you're never out of the game. It's one of those games that will live long in the memory.

"But for us, it's a totally different game and it's going to be a challenging game for us - we're keen to keep our momentum."

On his three England internationals - Gordon, Hall and Livramento...

"We all watched the (England vs Republic of Ireland) game together at the hotel we were in in Saudi. There was an enormous amount of pride watching them, not just perform but how well they performed and how they contributed to the win.

"It was a great thing to see, and great to see Anthony score his first goal."

On Callum Wilson...

"He's doing well. We anticipate he's going to train with the group today.

"Whether he's quite there for West Ham, let's see. But he has to get through the next few days in training first."

On Kieran Trippier's fitness...

"He's slightly closer than Callum. He trained well yesterday and felt good - no ill effects, looked sharp. That was his first day of training so again, we're in a similar position in that right at the end of the rehab you've got to navigate the last few days well."

On Emil Krafth's injury...

"Emil has had an operation. We anticipate he's going to be out for six to eight weeks. It's a big blow to us to lose Emil who has been such a consistent performer."

On Lewis Miley, who made his England Under-21 bow during the international break...

"His game will be developing every day, and I think it's in a good place.

"But I think his biggest development is physical. He's worked really hard through his injury. He looks an unbelievable athlete now. To play for England Under-21s at 18 is a testament to how England regard him. I think his career is in a good place."