Two of the Premier League’s surprise packages this season will meet at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon as Newcastle United look to further stamp their marker down on the Champions League spots when they play hosts to Fulham.
The Cottagers may also now have one eye on the European spots in the Premier League, and although a position in the Champions League is unlikely for them, they can continue to dream if they continue to perform like they have.
Leon Best at the double! 💥🔙 #NEWFUL— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 13, 2023
Leon Best at the double! 💥🔙 #NEWFUL
Fulham beat rivals Chelsea last time out as they won just their second-ever west London derby against the Blues in the Premier League after previously losing to them 19 times in the 30 years of the Premier League.
Willian got on the scoresheet that Thursday evening against his former side, before a winner from Carlos Vinicius in the absence of Alexsander Mitrovic - he will return here now after a suspension that lasted only one game.
Fulham are up into sixth now in the Premier League and they have won all their games since action resumed after the World Cup. This started with a stunning 3-0 win over another London club, Crystal Palace, before edging past Southampton with a 2-1 win at Craven Cottage.
Marco Silva's men headed on the road shortly after, beating Leicester City 1-0 at the King Power Stadium. Fulham have also made it into the next round of the FA Cup in the past week after beating Hull City 2-0 away from home.
Fulham are behind Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League by two points still, while the Champions League position of fourth is four points away with Manchester United having two games in hand.
At the same time, Newcastle United themselves have a game in hand to play over Fulham and are five clear of them in third.
Eddie Howe's men have been excellent this season, although they did lose last weekend to Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 in the FA Cup. On the other hand, they are now into the semi-finals of the EFL Cup against Southampton as they bid to win their first trophy in decades.
As well as this, however, their past two Premier League games have ended in 0-0 draws against league leaders Arsenal and Leeds United. It keeps the Magpies in third and they are level on points with United in fourth and four behind Manchester City in second.
Forebet predicts a win for Newcastle and for the game to see under 2.5 goals.