Fulham vs Newcastle Preview
- Draw or Newcastle win
- Barnes to score or assist
Fulham’s Tough Week
It’s been a challenging week for Fulham, who were denied victory at the death by West Ham last weekend in a 1-1 draw, despite dominating the game.
The disappointment didn’t end there as they were eliminated from the League Cup in midweek following an astonishing penalty shootout loss to Preston, which ended 16-15!
Their last three matches have all ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, and despite a tally of five points from four league outings (W1, D2, L1), Fulham’s performances may deserve more than their current points total suggests.
Marco Silva’s men now aim to extend their unbeaten home run to three league matches at Craven Cottage for the first time since February.
However, recent history is not on their side, as Fulham have failed to win any of their last eight top-flight encounters with Newcastle (D2, L6). To make matters worse, the last four home matches against the Magpies have all ended in defeat.
Newcastle’s Confidence and Strong Start
Newcastle arrive in London brimming with confidence after securing three consecutive wins in all competitions, including a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolves, in which they came from behind.
The Magpies remain one of five sides yet to taste defeat in the Premier League this season (W3, D1), with their ten points marking their best start to a top-flight campaign since the 1995/96 season.
Eddie Howe’s side will be looking to extend their unbeaten away run in the league to four matches (W2, D1), and they aim to secure back-to-back away victories for the first time since February.
While Newcastle’s defence has been shaky on the road, managing just one clean sheet in their last 18 away Premier League games, that lone shutout came at Craven Cottage, giving them a psychological edge heading into this fixture.
Key Players to Watch
Raúl Jiménez (Fulham)
Jiménez has been a key player for Fulham this season, opening the scoring inside 30 minutes on two occasions. His early strikes could be crucial as Fulham look to start fast and break their poor run against Newcastle.
Harvey Barnes (Newcastle United)
Barnes came off the bench to score the winning goal in Newcastle’s 2-1 victory over Wolves last weekend.
He has developed a reputation for clutch goals, with six of his seven strikes for Newcastle either being the first or last goal in a match. His impact could once again be decisive, especially if he’s introduced late into the game.
Fulham’s Home Struggles and Newcastle’s Away Strength
- Fulham’s recent form at Craven Cottage: Aiming to go three home league games unbeaten for the first time since February, but have lost the last four home meetings with Newcastle.
- Newcastle’s away form: Undefeated in their last three away Premier League games (W2, D1), but only one clean sheet in their last 18 away matches.
Head-to-Head and Recent Trends
- Recent H2H record: Newcastle are unbeaten in the last eight Premier League meetings with Fulham (D2, L6), winning their last four at Craven Cottage.
- Fulham’s last three matches: All ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Conclusion
Fulham will be eager to bounce back from a tough week, but they face a Newcastle side that is in fine form and riding high on confidence.
Despite Fulham’s solid performances, their poor recent record against Newcastle and defensive vulnerabilities could leave them exposed. Newcastle, on the other hand, will look to continue their unbeaten start to the season and extend their dominance over Fulham.
Prediction: Newcastle to win narrowly, with Harvey Barnes potentially making a late impact.
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