Newcastle United will go head to head against seventh-placed Fulham at St. James’ Park on Sunday in the EFL Championship.
The Magpies are on a fine run of form, having taken an impressive seven points in their last three games and all of it has come against the top five sides. As a result, they have strengthened their hold at the summit of the Championship. Newcastle will come into the game with having played out a 0-0 away draw against Reading and will be eager to increase their distance from the chasing pack, with a win against Fulham. The Cottagers came up trumps the last time the two teams faced each other and Rafael Benitez will be hoping to avoid a similar fate.
Benitez will be without Isaac Hayden once again, along with the long-term absentee Rolando Aarons. Right-back De Andre Yedlin is the latest addition to the injury list for Newcastle, with the former Tottenham man expected to be out for at least two weeks.
Predicted Newcastle United Line-Up for Fulham Encounter
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Karl Darlow (GK)
The 26-year old Englishman kept his eleventh clean sheet of the season against Reading on Tuesday night. Will be hoping to add to his tally on Saturday.
Vurnon Anita (RB)
Regular right-back De Andre Yedlin has been ruled out due to injury. As a result, the rarely used Jesus Gamez featured against Reading. However, Benitez might bring in Anita for the weekend encounter.
Jamaal Lascelles (CB)
The captain had a solid outing against the Royals in the weekend. Expect more of the same against Fulham on Saturday.
Ciaran Clark (CB)
Partnering Lascelles in the heart of the defence will be Ciaran Clark. The Irishman has become a crucial part of the Newcastle squad this season and will look to put in another strong performance.
Paul Dummett (LB)
The undisputed choice at left-back position, Dummett has just missed a single Championship game so far this season. Expect him to make his 35th appearance on Saturday.
Jonjo Shelvey (CM)
A sure starter in one of the two midfield pivots, Shelvey’s presence on the field is extremely vital for Newcastle.
Jack Colback (CM)
And alongside the Englishman, it will be Jack Colback. With Isaac Hayden still unavailable, the former Sunderland man will retain his place in the line-up.
Matt Ritchie (RW)
The former Bournemouth winger has been one of the best players of Newcastle this season. He will start on the right-wing against the cottagers.
Ayoze Perez (CAM)
The Spaniard started the game against Reading on Tuesday. And we expect him to hold on to his place for the Saturday’s encounter ahead of Mohamed Diame.
Christian Atsu (LW)
On the left-flank, Christian Atsu might come in for Yoan Gouffran. The Chelsea loanee has been preferred in recent weeks and should feature from the get-go against Fulham.
Dwight Gayle (ST)
The 21-goal striker is fit again and having made two substitute appearances in the last two games, he might replace Daryl Murphy in the lineup.