Newcastle United, reeling from their European exit and a string of domestic defeats, face Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday 16 December.
The Champions League The journey ended for the Magpies last Wednesday in hand at Milan after losing 2-1 to the Italians. The defeat cost Newcastle a place in the knockout stages of both the UCL and the Europa League as all NUFC could do was finish in a rotten dead-end.
As things stand, Newcastle better right their ship before it’s too late with the boys on a three-game losing streak in all competitions, leaving them seventh in the league and out of the continental picture before they even reach mid-December.
Fulham, currently 10th in the EPL, are on a high after back-to-back 5-0 wins, showing their attacking prowess behind Aleksandar Mitrovic. However, they have struggled away from home, failing to win in their last seven Premier League away games. I have to take the chance, Mags.
Newcastle’s injury woes worsened (yes, you read that right, even if you feel thin right now) in the midweek game against AC Milan with Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier injured. Trippier is also ruled out for the upcoming game, although Dan Burn returned for the Champions League clash and should be available to log more minutes and perhaps start this weekend.
Fulham’s Willian picked up a thigh problem last weekend but the striker is likely to be fit for this game. Issa Diop may return, but Adama Traore and Tim Ream remain on the sidelines.
Newcastle’s recent form in the Premier League is patchy to say the least (WLWWLL) and their overall form, including other competitions, is worrying (WDWLLL). Eddie Howe will have to start improving the team’s results – injuries or not – or the early-season whispers of his potential sacking will come rushing.
Here are some of Howe’s nuggets of wisdom, courtesy of him NUFC.co.uk
At Fulham…
“They are dangerous opponents for us. Marco got his team playing really good football – very expansive, easy on the eye, technical football.
“They are a team in form, they have dangerous attacking players. We know they have players who can hurt us.”
On how Newcastle can move on from their midweek disappointment…
“Well, that started yesterday – we were back and dealt with what happened. We have analyzed it, but we have to go very quickly to Fulham.
“The mood is good, there is pain and anguish, but that cannot stay in professional football. The turnaround is so quick and now the focus is on Fulham.
“It will be a great test of our resilience. I think there is going to be a negative narrative out there and we need to get past that. Getting out of Europe is a disappointment, but it doesn’t have to affect us afterwards, that’s up to us, we have to respond.”
On the importance of former Fulham defender Dan Byrne’s return from injury…
“Massive – Dan is not just the player, but the character and leadership you get in the dressing room with him. It has allowed us to play a certain way.
“He was an important part of what we have and we missed him when he was gone.”
On the importance of the home team…
“I will encourage the fans to make the environment as good as possible for the players. We need the players to play with complete freedom, with enthusiasm, with joy – all that we have seen in St. James’ Park my two years here.
“Their support has been absolutely incredible. I understand how they will feel, but we have to inspire them tomorrow.”
For his part, the latest news on injuries and availability…
“It’s mixed – we get some players back but not at their best, then you have players who have to keep playing and pick things up.
“Kieran (Trippier) is out through suspension. We’ll see how Anthony (Gordon) is today.”
Howay!
- Date: Saturday, December 16
- Opening match: 16:00 BST / 9:00 EST
- Location: St James’ Park, Newcastle (England)
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