Newcastle will look to bounce back from their Champions League exit when they face Fulham in the Premier League. Midweek saw the Magpies’ European tour come to an end with a 2-1 loss to AC Milan. The Cottagers’ final top-flight match saw them thrash London rivals West Ham United 5-0.
Preview (Newcastle United vs. Fulham)
On Wednesday evening, all three of Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Newcastle were fighting for a coveted spot in the Champions League round of 16, while Eddie Howe’s team’s fate was out of their hands, as Borussia Dortmund rode out into the “group of death” sunset. If Newcastle had held onto their lead against Milan—which came from Joelinton’s boot—they would have printed out their boarding passes to the knockout stages, but Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze shattered the hosts’ hopes of qualifying for Europe. PSG only managed a point away to Dortmund.
Newcastle’s defeat against the Italian powerhouses also cost them the Europa League consolation prize. With only domestic issues to deal with until the conclusion of the season, Magpies supporters may view their unfortunate season-long injury luck as a lucky break. They lost to Everton and Tottenham Hotspur by an overall score of 7-1 in their previous two games. Howe’s annihilated team lost to Milan for the third time in a row in all competitions. They are currently seventh in the table and are only ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion on goal differential.
Newcastle’s 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Tottenham last weekend marked their sixth Premier League loss. Howe’s team had only dropped five games in the top flight all season in 2022–23. Consequently, playing Fulham is a team that has developed a renewed appreciation for goals. It might not be the ideal remedy for a heartbreaking European elimination. Just four days after exhibiting a five-star performance against Nottingham Forest, Fulham mercilessly handed their nearest neighbors, West Ham, the same treatment at Craven Cottage, as Marco Silva’s team recorded their third victory in four games.
Team News
In the loss to Milan, Newcastle’s ongoing injury crisis got worse once more. Both Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier left the field during the second half due to injuries. Trippier is already suspended for Saturday’s match. Tino Livramento should move to the right to cover for him. Gordon is also experiencing hamstring discomfort. It would be unexpected to see the winger cleared to play against the Cottagers. As a result, Alexander Isak may start up top next to Callum Wilson.
Although Dan Burn’s midweek return from a back issue leaves open the possibility of the latter scenario, Sandro Tonali (suspended), Harvey Barnes (foot), Nick Pope (shoulder), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Javi Manquillo (groin), Matt Targett (thigh), Joe Willock (calf), Elliott Anderson (back), and Sven Botman (knee) will not be involved. Regarding Fulham, Willian was left out of the fray during the crushing of West Ham last weekend.
Aside from that, Issa Diop might be able to join the team after overcoming a foot ailment, but Adam Traore (thigh) is still not ready, while Tim Ream is recovering from a calf injury and is unlikely to return before Christmas. Wilson’s spectacular cameo against the Irons, however, lessened the blow of Willian’s departure. In the second half of that five-goal victory, the Welshman scored an incredible goal and selflessly laid off Vinicius, so a start will undoubtedly be in store for the 26-year-old at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United 2-2 Fulham
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