We return to Premier League action this weekend as Newcastle United entertain Fulham at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe has managed to guide his club to fourth place so far whilst Marco Silva’s side currently sit in sixth.
Confidence will be flowing on Tyneside after Newcastle easily overpowered Leicester earlier on in the week to reach the Semi-Final of the Carabao Cup. Their first appearance at this stage since 2005.
The Magpies may have drawn their last two Premier League fixtures against Leeds United and Arsenal but their lack of goals will not cause them too much concern as their defence is strong enough to win them points. With just 11 goals conceded from 18 matches, Newcastle still have the best defensive record in the league this year, they have also kept ten clean sheets in the process.
Fulham beat Chelsea in their latest top flight fixture to overtake Liverpool and occupy sixth place. Former Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno continued his run of good form between the sticks and Andreas Pereira once more being the assist king to set up the winner from Carlos Vincius. The London outfit have been in good form since their return from the World Cup campaign, winning every game they have played since they arrived back. A win for the away side will cut the gap between both sides to just a single point.
Newcastle United Team News: Eddie Howe is expected to name an unchanged side following their win over Leicester. Allan Saint-Maximin, who has recently had to do with a place on the bench following the fine form of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron, could find himself back in the starting eleven in the place of the Brazilian should Eddie Howe punish him for his mistake he made last week. Either Callum Wilson, Chris Wood or Alexander Isak will get the nod to start up front. Jonjo Shelvey, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett remain on the injury list.
Fulham Team News: Former United frontman Aleksandar Mitrovic will be available for selection following his recent suspension and is expected to line up against his former side. Antonee Robinson will be banned after the left back picked up his fifth booking of the season on Thursday. Layvin Kurzawa who is on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, is expected to be named as Robinson’s replacement.
Sutty’s Match Prediction: I predict a win for the Magpies on Sunday. Their home advantage should be enough along with their recent form to oversee their southern opponents who will be looking to revenge their 4-1 defeat in the reverse fixture. My score prediction being Newcastle United 2 Fulham 0.
@jsuttonwrites
14.01.2023
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