Fulham (H) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction

by Olly Hawkins · Published 16 December 2023, 02:10

It's been a tough old week for Newcastle United, who followed heavy back-to-back defeats to Everton and Spurs with a devastating 2-1 loss to AC Milan on Wednesday, where we went from closing in on the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League to crashing out of Europe altogether.

We're left licking our wounds and in desperate need of a win to lift the low mood across Tyneside, yet face a Fulham side who have enjoyed a sudden upturn in form just as we've struggled.

While we've shipped nine goals in our last three, losing all of them, Marco Silva's side have delivered back-to-back 5-0 wins at home against Nottingham Forest and Fulham, with their last away day an unfortunate 4-3 defeat at Anfield.

Speaking ahead of the game, Eddie Howe delivered this message, urging his players to override the 'negative narrative', show resilience and respond:

“The mood is good, there is some pain and anguish, but that can’t stay around in professional football.

“The turnaround is so quick and now focus is on Fulham. It is going to be a big test of our resilience.

“I think there will be a negative narrative externally and we have to override that. Exiting Europe is a disappointment, but it doesn’t have to have an effect on us afterwards. That’s down to us, we need to respond.”

Team news

Trippier is suspended, Gordon faces a late fitness test, Botman could make the bench, Barnes and Willock won't be back until January and Burn could return to league action after his cameo in midweek.

For Fulham, Willian will be checked after a hamstring issue, but Adama Traore and Tim Ream have both been ruled out.

Predicted XI: Dubravka - Livramento, Lascelles, Schar, Burn - Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton - Almiron, Isak, Gordon.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Fulham

This one won't be easy against a Fulham side who've scored 13 goals in their last three league games, but I back us to bounce back with a hard-fought win. HWTL!