2022-23 Premier League: Week Eight – Fulham vs Newcastle

Fulham look to continue their top-ten push as Marco Silva’s Cottagers host Newcastle United at Craven Cottage.

Victory would see Fulham go fourth if Brighton lose elsewhere, whilst Newcastle could go sixth with a win if Chelsea, Liverpool and Brentford all lose elsewhere.

 

Team News

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Aleksandar Mitrovic is a doubt for Fulham after suffering an ankle injury against Sweden whilst on international duty, although he was fit enough to feature in their final Nations League match against Norway.

Antonee Robinson faces a late fitness test after an ankle injury prevented him from joining up with USA squad during international break.

Joao Palhinha is suspended whilst Harry Wilson and Manor Solomon (both knee) remain absent.

Newcastle will be without Alexander Isak after he suffered a leg injury on international duty for Sweden.

Elliott Anderson (knock), Bruno Guimaraes, Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson (all hamstring) and Chris Wood (rib) all face late fitness tests.

Karl Darlow (ankle), Emil Krafth (knee), Matt Ritchie (calf) and Jonjo Shelvey (hamstring) remain absent.

 

Stat Attack

• Fulham have claimed just five points from their seven Premier League meetings against Newcastle (W1, D2, L4).
• Newcastle have lost three of their last five Premier League visits to Craven Cottage (W2, L3).
• Fabian Schar has scored in each of Newcastle’s last two visits to Fulham (W2).
• Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored four goals at home this season (W2, D1).
• Schar has been booked in two of Newcastle’s three away trips in this season’s Premier League.

 

Prediction

Having enjoyed a strong start to the season – especially at home, Fulham surely can believe they can win here but they need to deliver a stronger first-half effort than they produced last time out at Forest, where they were sloppy and wasteful despite a clinical second-half recovery.

Newcastle meanwhile seem to be draw specialists this season which is no bad thing given their injury woes, although I do worry for them here if they don’t have many attackers available for selection in order to fight Fulham competitively.

If that is the case then I can see a defensive strategy to try and frustate Fulham’s dangerous midfield and attack, although quieting Mitrovic could be key if he features for the hosts otherwise I can see a home win for the Cottagers.

Prediction: Fulham 2-0 Newcastle

Result: Fulham 1-4 Newcastle