Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Fulham, including predictions, team news and possible line-ups.
The two biggest upsets of the Premier League season so far meet on Sunday at St. James’ Park, when Fulham travel to Newcastle United.
The Magpies remain in the top four, while Marc Silva has taken his newly promoted side to sixth heading into the weekend.
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Match preview
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Newcastle will go into this game on the back of their midweek cup success as victory over Leicester City secured a first semi-final appearance since 2005.
It was a much-needed confidence boost after going three games without a win, including an FA Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
Eddie HoweHowever, the team is on course to hang on to the top four, after back-to-back draws in the league.
Both games ended 0-0, which illustrates how even if they are failing in attack, they can rely on their defense to earn them points.
The eleven goals conceded in 18 games is still, unsurprisingly, the best record in the division, as their four, very quiet, have kept 10 clean sheets.
All the other teams in the top five face each other this weekend in north London and Manchester derbies, so this is a great opportunity for Newcastle to make up some ground on these sides.
Fulham are the first team in the division to reach the halfway point of their respective seasons thanks to their rearranged game with Chelsea on Thursday.
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They also made the most of it by beating their west London rivals 2-1 at Craven Cottage to move Liverpool into the top six.
Carlos Vinicius came away with the winner Aleksandar Mitrovicabsence as Andreas Pereira produced another wonderful assist, while Bernd Leno put in another stellar performance in goal.
A superb run of form has seen them win every game in every competition since the World Cup break.
They were able to make light work of Championship side Hull City with a very rotating squad between four league wins.
Silva’s side may have played more games than any other team, but they are just four points off the top four.
An away win here will reduce the gap between the teams to just one point, so there is plenty to play for for both sides.
Newcastle United Premier League form:
Newcastle United form (all competitions):
Fulham Premier League form:
Fulham form (all competitions):
Team news
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Howe went with a full-strength Newcastle side for the EFL Cup quarter-finals, so he is expected to remain unchanged here.
Allan Saint-Maximin still can’t get into the side given the recent form of Miguel Almiron i Joelintonso he is likely to start on the bench again.
They have Callum Wilsonthe return Alexander Isak i Chris Wood to pick up front, and if Wilson is in top form, he should get the nod.
John Shelvey, Emil Krafth i Matt Targett are the absentees due to injuries of the hosts.
Mitrovic will return from suspension here against his former club, and despite Vinicius’ win against Chelsea, the Serbian should return to the starting XI.
Antonee Robinson He picked up his fifth booking of the season on Thursday, so the left-back will be suspended.
Paris Saint-Germain-loanee Layvin Kurzawa is the obvious look-alike replacement for the US international in defence.
Newcastle United possible starting line-up:
Dad, father; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; S Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Adarabioyo, Ream, Kurzawa; Palhinha, Reed, Decordova-Reid, Andreas Pereira, Willian; mitrovic
We say: Newcastle United 2-1 Fulham
In a very intriguing matchup, Newcastle’s home advantage can help them get over the line against an in-form Fulham side.
A 4-1 defeat at Craven Cottage in the reverse fixture means Fulham will be keen to exact revenge on the hosts, but Newcastle’s defensive strength could be key.
For data analysis of the most likely results, results and more of this match, click here.
Superior Council
Our expert reporting partners at Sporita.com predict a home win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more tried and tested football tips.Home Win:date
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Source: Preview: Newcastle United vs. Fulham – prediction, team news, lineups
