Newcastle-Fulham is a match valid for the 20th day of the Premier League and is played on Sunday at 15:00: statistics, TV, formations, predictions.
Until a couple of seasons ago this was a direct clash for safety. Today, however, we talk about Newcastle and Fulham as two of the most surprising realities of this Premier League. A similar exploit was certainly expected by the Magpies, destined for big plans after the club’s takeover by wealthy Saudi ownership.
Not at all easy to predict, however, was that of the Cottagers, a neo-promoted side that started with the simple objective of maintaining their category. And instead, at the halfway mark, the two teams with the same social colours – black and white – both find themselves in the elite of the English top league. Newcastle are doing well beyond expectations: Eddie Howe’s men were expected to grow more gradually, but the young and brilliant coach has burnt the bridges. The Magpies are now stable in the top four and legitimately aspire to a place in the next Champions League. Despite dropping the engine revs in the first few days after the break – the two blank draws with Leeds and Arsenal, the FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday – Howe and his team remain fourth, three points behind Manchester United and four behind City.
Fulham continue to impress
The week also saw a 2-0 win over Leicester in the League Cup quarter-final, giving the Bianconeri a cup semi-final that had been missing since 2005.
Willian v Chelsea
The midweek match – although in this case it was a Premier League replay – also saw Fulham rejoice as they won (2-1) the heartfelt West London derby against hated Chelsea. A victory, the fifth in a row between the various competitions, that made the Cottagers fly in the standings, for now sixth ahead of teams like Liverpool or Chelsea itself. Marco Silva is producing a small masterpiece, and at this rate a return to Europe, where Fulham have been missing for over a decade, may not remain a utopia.
The Prediction
This is going to be a well-balanced and potentially spectacular match between two teams in fine form, who will face off against each other. Newcastle are slight favourites over Fulham in a match that should guarantee at least three goals in total: yes, the Magpies have the best defence in the league, but the Londoners score with ease and they won’t be closing in at St James’ Park.
The Newcastle-Fulham line-up probables
- NEWCASTLE (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; S. Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.
- FULHAM (4-5-1): Leno; Tete, Adarabioyo, Ream, Kurzawa; Palhinha, Reed, Decordova-Reid, Andreas Pereira, Willian; Mitrovic.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
