Roy Keane and Gary Neville cannot agree on what to expect from Newcastle United vs Fulham this weekend.
The Magpies are back in Premier League action after their Champions League exploits, and will be full of confidence after another impressive European win.
Newcastle United beat Benfica 3-0 on Tuesday night, with the likes of Anthony Gordon and Lewis Miley impressing in black and white. It was a deserved victory for Eddie Howe’s side, on the back of a disappointing Premier League defeat to Brighton.
That tough trip to the south coast puts Newcastle under extra pressure this weekend, as they entertain Fulham at St James’ Park. It is a must-win game, but Roy Keane is not expecting the Magpies to pick up all three points.
Sandro Tonali and Sasa Lukic battle for possession during Newcastle United vs Fulham at St James' Park.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Roy Keane thinks Newcastle United will draw with Fulham
Speaking on the latest episode of the Stick To Football podcast, the panel of Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ian Wright and Jill Scott have predicted the Magpies’ Premier League clash with Fulham.
Keane: “Fulham are struggling by the way. They are like fifth or sixth from bottom. I think Fulham might get something.”
Scholes: “They’re not bad though. I also think Fulham are a good watch.”
Keane: “They’re a good team.”
The former Republic of Ireland captain stood by his conviction, predicting a 1-1 draw between Newcastle United and Fulham.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
In contrast, Gary Neville backed a home win for the Magpies with a score of 2-1 to Eddie Howe’s side.
What was Newcastle United’s record against Fulham last season?
As Keane says, Fulham are a good team. Newcastle United found that out last season on two occasions.
The two sides met at Craven Cottage early in the season, with Marco Silva’s side picking up a 3-1 victory in the fifth Premier League game of the campaign. Eddie Howe lambasted his players after that defeat, with the likes of Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak criticised internally.
Fulham then went on to do the double over the Magpies, coming from behind at St James’ Park in February to win 2-1. That was a crushing defeat, with Rodrigo Muniz providing an 83rd minute winner.
The Cottagers are a very dangerous side, even if they are yet to hit full stride this season. They start the weekend in 14th position, one place and one point behind Eddie Howe’s team.
This will be another challenge for Newcastle United, but it is one they must win. It is great to see them performing well in Europe, but they will not be back there next season if they do not sort out their domestic form.
With the Magpies yet to find their rhythm away from home, it puts additional pressure on their games at St James’ Park. They simply have to beat Fulham on Saturday, even if Roy Keane thinks they are only capable of getting a point.