As Newcastle United and Fulham prepare to lock horns in a crucial Premier League clash at St. James’ Park, both teams will be eager to secure a positive result for contrasting reasons.
The fifth-placed Magpies, level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City, will be aiming to solidify their Champions League qualification hopes.
Meanwhile, the Cottagers, sitting 10th in the table, will be seeking to boost their chances of securing European football for next season.
Newcastle’s recent form has been impressive, with 10 wins in their last 11 matches across all competitions. However, their only blemish during this period was a 4-1 home defeat to high-flying Bournemouth.
The Magpies responded with a 3-1 away victory over struggling Southampton last weekend, thanks to a brace from in-form striker Alexander Isak.
Fulham, on the other hand, have experienced a mixed run of results, with three wins in their last 12 league matches (D6, L3).
Their most recent outing saw them suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat at home against Manchester United, a result that left manager Marco Silva lamenting his side’s “cruel” loss.
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Fulham emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Newcastle, and they will be aiming to complete a Premier League double over the Magpies, having previously done so in the 2006-07 and 2008-09 campaigns.
Team News
Newcastle will be without several key players due to injury, including Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson, and Jamaal Lascelles. The Magpies will also be without Miguel Almiron, who has completed a permanent move back to Atlanta United.
For Fulham, the absence of Harry Wilson, who is set to undergo surgery on a fractured foot, is a significant blow. Reiss Nelson and Kenny Tete also remain sidelined with their respective injuries.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United (4-3-3):
Dubravka;
Livramento, Botman, Schar, Hall;
Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton;
Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Fulham (4-2-3-1):
Leno;
Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson;
Berge, Lukic;
Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi;
Jimenez
The match promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams having something to play for. Newcastle’s home advantage and their recent form may give them the edge, but Fulham’s ability to cause an upset cannot be underestimated.
