After the midweek heartbreak in the Champions League, Newcastle United return to Premier League action on Saturday when they entertain Fulham at St James’ Park.
The Magpies finished bottom of Group F in the Champions League following their 2-1 defeat to AC Milan at St James’ Park, thereby, bowing out of Europe altogether. The loss at the hands of AC Milan made it three losses in a row in all competitions for Eddie Howe’s side.
Eddie Howe will be desperate for a positive response from his team at home against Fulham, who will be heading to Tyneside off the back of resounding 5-0 back-to-back smashing of West Ham and Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle United Team News
Newcastle United have been decimated by injuries this season and were without eight senior players on Wednesday night, despite the return of Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson and Dan Burn in recent weeks. And their injury crisis have shown no signs of stopping with Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier potentially joining a long list of absentees after being replaced during the loss to AC Milan.
Sven Botman is close to a return, but the defender will not be back for the weekend’s fixture. Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy, Matt Targett and Harvey Barnes remain out as well.
Predicted Newcastle United lineup vs Fulham (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Martin Dubravka will continue to deputise in goal in the injury absence of Nick Pope. The Slovakian will be hoping to keep a clean sheet this time around after conceding nine goals in the last three games.
Defence
Eddie Howe is expected to stick to a 4-3-3 formation on Saturday. However, he will be forced to make alterations at the back following the suspension of Kieran Trippier, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the Premier League season in the 4-1 defeat to Tottenham last weekend.
Tino Livramento looks primed to replace Trippier at right-back, while Dan Burn, who made his return from injury in midweek, should slot in at left-back. Meanwhile, Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar will continue in central defence.
Midfield
The Newcastle boss may look to give young Lewis Miley a breather to avoid a potential burnout, which should open the door for Sean Longstaff to return to the starting XI. If picked, Longstaff would join Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in the middle of the park.
The troika will look to control the game and create opportunities for the forwards in the final third.
Attack
A potential hamstring injury sustained against AC Milan on Wednesday could see Anthony Gordon miss out against Fulham. Alexander Isak, who came off the bench in the second half against the Italian side, looks primed to replace Gordon on the left flank, with Miguel Almiron functioning from the opposite wing.
Callum Wilson is certain to lead the Newcastle attack, and the England international will be raring to get back among the goals.
