Scott Parker’s Fulham are on a two-match unbeaten run having drawn matches with Liverpool and Brighton.
On Saturday night, they make the long trip to Tyneside to play Newcastle United in an attempt to gain points and move out of the relegation zone.
FULHAMERICA: this one is for you!A 🇺🇸 special St James’ throwback. 📼#TBT pic.twitter.com/etR4Qm8aol— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 17, 2020
FULHAMERICA: this one is for you!A 🇺🇸 special St James’ throwback. 📼#TBT pic.twitter.com/etR4Qm8aol
Burnley’s dull nil-nil draw versus Aston Villa on Thursday allowed them to leapfrog Fulham in the standings. The Cottagers are back in the relegation zone as the league’s worst teams battle it out for survival.
Newcastle United are eight points above Fulham in the Premier League table. Steve Bruce’s team are seeking consistency following a 5-2 loss to Leeds United. In spite of being thrashed in the end, conceding five times, the game was level at 2-2 until the final 13 minutes.
The Magpies head into the game having taken nine points from 18 available at St. James’ Park. They have been outscored at home, however, to the tune of 12-8.
Fulham, on the other hand, have taken four of their nine overall points on the road. A recent win against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium showed their new organised defence. Fulham have still conceded 10 times on the road while scoring six goals.
Parker’s team are more organised in defence these days. They conceded just once to Liverpool at home on matchday 12. Truth be told, the Cottagers should have won that game. However, Alisson Becker made several key first-half saves to prevent Liverpool going down by more goals.
As always, Bruce has several players on his injured list for the matchday 14 game. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is still nursing a calf injury which means Karl Darlow will remain in net. Paul Dummett, Jamal Lascelles, Allan Saint-Maximin, Javi Manquillo, and Fabian Schar are all ruled out.
Bruce will have limited options in defence. Fulham do not press like Leeds United, but showed against Liverpool that they can turn defence into attack quickly.
Parker added two names to the injured list after Wednesday night’s nil-nil draw away to Brighton. Bobby Reid is nursing a thigh strain and is a doubt for the game on Saturday. Kenny Tete lacks match fitness and could be withheld. Terrence Kongolo is a long-term absentee.
Fulham should continue to show their good organisation in defence, but Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser could be key in the final third. The Magpies should get the goal they need and inflict another away loss on Fulham.
The game should see both teams get on the scoresheet as Newcastle United claim a needed win. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in eight of Newcastle's last nine league home games.