Newcastle United arguably put in their besst performance of the season as they beat Benfica 3-0 to make it back-to-back wins in the Champions League.
Though the Magpies have struggled to get going this season, especially from an offensive standpoint, their success on the continent is evidence of Eddie Howe's abiding tactical quality, with the cogs sure to start whirring as the new batch of players work toward a continuation of last year's illustrious success.
That starts now, in the Premier League. Last weekend, United lost on a trip to Brighton, and they languish in 14th place, just nine points from eight games.
But a closer look at the new phase Howe is championing demonstrates exactly why he is valued as "one of the top managers in the country, if not the world" by pundit Jamie Redknapp.
He adapts, and the tactician must showcase that nous yet again on Sunday, when Fulham are welcomed to St. James' Park. However, that frontline does need some work, even with Nick Woltemade firing on all cylinders.
Newcastle team news
Howe said that Newcastle must produce their best possible performance if they wish to turn over a gritty and well-balanced Fulham side in the Premier League.
The Cottagers claimed three points at St. James' Park last season, but they have lost three on the bounce in the Premier League and are there for the taking, with Joachim Andersen and Antonee Robinson both sidelined.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the match
A promising update on the injury recoveries of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall: both full-backs are nearing the end of their rehabilitation and are back on the grass. Anticipate further developments in the coming weeks.
While Howe reported no new injury concerns, he did confirm Sandro Tonali "will be touch and go" after struggling with illness this week.
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali-1
Meanwhile, summer signing Yoane Wissa's wait for his debut rages on, still in recovery from the knee injury suffered on international duty. The 29-year-old's rehabilitation will stretch toward the Christmas period.
More praise was heaped on Woltemade. The German striker continues to deputise as Wissa's recovery continues, and given the richness of the purple patch he is riding, few will have concerns about his presence at number nine (other than the Fulham defence, that is).
However, while the striker is firing, Howe will hope to see more from his wide forwards. In fairness, Harvey Barnes bagged a brace in midweek, with Anthony Gordon claiming the Man of the Match award in the Champions League.
But Anthony Elanga continues to leave much to be desired down the right, and it's for this reason that Newcastle's most underrated star could be the difference-maker on Saturday afternoon.
Howe must unleash Newcastle's "unsung hero"
Has there been a more compelling success story at Newcastle over the past few years than that of Jacob Murphy? The 29-year-old was written off after years as a journeyman, but has pieced together an iconic career on Tyneside.
Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy
Last season, in particular, Murphy was in fine fettle, stepping up after Newcastle failed to sign a right-sided forward and posting nine goals and 14 assists across all competitions.
Some return, that. Howe hailed his protege as "the ultimate professional", and his is a story that up-and-coming hopefuls will use as fuel for many years to come. It's never too late to turn things around.
The veteran has only featured as a substitute across Newcastle's past two Premier League matches, and his stability and industriousness could be perfect against Marco Silva's organised outfit.
That is not to say he's without his flair and creativity on the ball. As per FBref, Murphy ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists per 90.
He might not have Elanga's pace or Barnes' natural eye for goal, but with Gordon clicking into gear and Woltemade undroppable at the front of the ship, this could be the line-up to develop and sustain synergy and fluency across the full 90.
Harvey Barnes
You will need no reminder that the Magpies have only won two of their eight Premier League fixtures so far this season.
It stands as a testament to Murphy's resilience and unwavering belief in his abilities that he has established himself as one of the key components of Newcastle's journey since the PIF takeover and subsequent appointment of Howe.
Howe's Most-used Players at Newcastle
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Data via Transfermarkt
He might not be the most prolific player in the mix, but Murphy is unquestionably among England's most underrated players in modern times, hailed as an "unsung hero" by journalist Scott Wilson for his knack at coming up trumps for the Toon.
And anyway, with three goals and four assists across 13 matches against Fulham, Howe would be restoring the experienced winger to the starting line-up against the side he has chalked up more direct contributions than any other across his career.
While Elanga will be desperate to impress after going without a goal or an assist across his first 12 appearances in black and white, Howe will know the importance of using the midweek Champions League victory as a springboard.
Newcastle's Anthony Elanga
Newcastle simply have to return to winning ways in the Premier League, and with Murphy on the right, fuelling in-form pair Gordon and Woltemade, it might just be the perfect blend.