Newcastle United took a big stride in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week with a home win over visiting Benfica, and their next challenge comes against Fulham. An Anthony Gordon opener in the first half allowed the Magpies to take control of proceedings, and then a second-half brace from Harvey Barnes sealed the three points to make it consecutive wins on the European front.
Meanwhile, there are still question marks over their form in the Premier League, as Newcastle United’s inconsistent displays in the league continued. Last weekend, they could not break down a Brighton side that came out as 2-1 winners at the Amex Stadium, which left the Magpies in 14th spot at the end of the weekend’s action.
The ambitions at St James Park will be to finish within the Champions League spots, and currently, Howe’s side are far off from closing in on their rivals. ON the defensive front, they have kept the joint best clean sheets in the league so far, but their performances in the final third have left a lot to be desired. Hence, the next game against Fulham is close to entering a must-win territory for Newcastle United.
Fulham come into this one following a strange display against Arsenal last weekend. Marco Silva discarded his usual attacking intent to sit deep and barely even threaten Mikel Arteta’s defence. The initial feeling from their performance then indicated that they were happy to fight for a draw, but a Guinners set piece routine off a corner was enough to breach their backline through a Leandro Trossard strike.
On paper, some might suggest Newcastle United have been the far better side overall compared to Fulham, but that could be due to their European displays. In reality, the Cottagers are only a point behind the Magpies in the Premier League standings, as a top-notch away win will take them above the Magpies and probably boost the confidence from within Silva’s side.
The big concern for Howe is at the back as he continues to miss some of his key players in the defence. Tino Livramento is out for a considerable period with a knee problem, while fellow full-back Lewis Hall is nursing a hamstring issue that will see the pair miss out on this clash.
Yoane Wissa is still out of contention with his own knee problem, sustained a few days after his move to Newcastle United was confirmed on deadline day. Howe will have the chance to refresh his defensive setup in the central areas to an extent, as Fabian Schar could come in for one of Malick Thiaw or Sven Botman, as it could be the former.
Meanwhile, Barnes will be hoping the midweek brace will be enough to earn him a starting spot against Fulham, as he is now a firm option ahead of Anthony Elanga or Jacob Murphy on the right wing. Joelinton is also expected to return to the midfield setting following a substitute’s appearance against Benfica, owing to a knock he had suffered previously.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon
The loss to Arsenal came at a cost with squad injuries, as key defender Joachim Andersen suffered a hamstring issue that will see him miss a few weeks of action. Calvin Bassey is likely to be the replacement that Marco Silva will consider for the Danish defender.
Antonee Robinson, Samuel Chukwueze and Rodrigo Muniz are the other stars missing through injury issues, while there are considerable doubts over Harry Wilson, who has been missing from training all week with a knock.
Sasa Lukic could be back in contention following a groin issue that saw him miss the Arsenal game, while there’s optimism with the availability of Tom Cairney, who went off in the last game with a back issue. In the absence of Muniz, Raul Jimenez will continue to lead the line, while Adama Traore could be given a run out in the attack, especially if Wilson cannot make the team.
Silva could switch to a back four for this one, with Jorge Cuenca one of those set to feature at the back alongside Bassey. Lukic’s return should see him partner Sander Berge in midfield, while Alex Iwobi and Joshua King are expected to complete the Fulham attack against Newcastle United.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Cuenca, Bassey, Sessegnon; Berge, Lukic; Traore, King, Iwobi; Jimenez
Gordon was superb in midweek against Benfica, and Eddie Howe will hope his star attacker is coming into his best form ahead of the next few games. Newcastle United are not in the best position in the league, and they will need their star winger to be at their best in the coming period, including the clash with Fulham.
Gordon is steadily showing his best form, and the Fulham game should be the occasion where he explodes. The form of his other forward partners, such as Woltemade and now Barnes, will click if Gordon becomes the catalyst, something Howe will hope for ahead of Saturday.
Fulham will come into this clash against Newcastle United on the back of some unruly form and are certainly the underdogs heading into St. James’ Park. However, they do have the chance to get their things in order ahead of a crucial part of their season, which could lead to a confidence boost.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are the favourites heading into this game because they are at home for this one. While this game has the hallmarks of a tight contest, the Magpies are still the slight favourites to get the win and bag the points.
