Newcastle United return to Premier League action after Carabao Cup quarter-final success over Leicester City, hoping to consolidate their place in the top four with a result against Fulham at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies were stunned by Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup third round but responded perfectly with a 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Leicester City, thus, booking a semi-final double-leg tie with Southampton.
Eddie Howe’s men quickly shift their focus to Premier League football where they host Fulham, who head to Tyneside on the back of a 2-1 win over Chelsea in the West London derby.
Alexander Isak will be available for selection again and could make his first Premier League appearance for four months after playing cameo roles in two cup ties since his return from a thigh injury.
Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Targett continue their rehab but they are still some away, said Eddie Howe in his pre-match presser.
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope will feature in goal for the Magpies again, hoping to secure a clean sheet in this home encounter against Fulham.
Defence
Newcastle currently boasts of the best defensive record in the division, having conceded just 11 goals in their 18 Premier League games so far. Along with Pope, the back four of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn have been excellent and deserve massive credit for helping the Magpies become a robust side defensively.
Trippier and Burn should operate from the right-back and left-back position, respectively, with Botman and Schar expected to continue their excellent partnership at the heart of the Magpies’ defence. The likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Javier Manquillo and Matt Ritchie should provide cover for defensive positions from the bench.
Midfield
Bruno Guimaraes is a certainty to start in the No.6 role, and he could be assigned with more of a defensive role to shield the home side’s back four against a quick counter-attacking Fulham side.
Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock will join Bruno in the engine room, as the trio look to dominate the ball in the middle of the park and create opportunities for the forwards in the final third.
Attack
There is no looking past Miguel Almiron when it comes to the Newcastle attack. Almiron should ideally start on the right flank, with Joelinton, who scored in the EFL Cup 2-1 success over Leicester in midweek, keeping his place intact on the left.
Callum Wilson should lead the Newcastle attack again, hoping to get himself on the scoresheet against Fulham. Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin will be excellent offensive options to have on the bench as the duo have the qualities to come on and make an impact in the second half.
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