Newcastle United host Fulham at St James’ Park in the Premier League.
The pundits are unanimous in thinking Newcastle United will claim revenge over Fulham today. Marco Silva’s men stunned the Magpies 2-1 in February to deal a hammer blow to their Champions League hopes.
Newcastle ultimately qualified and recorded a 3-0 win over Benfica in midweek as preparation for the Premier League clash. But in truth, Eddie Howe’s men have flattered to deceive in the top flight.
They sit 14th - one point above Fulham - and need to pick up points quickly to avoid an uphill task in the European race. NewcastleWorld has profiled how the experts - including Toon icon Alan Shearer - expect the game to pan out.
Alan Shearer
“I would hope Newcastle can get back to winning ways at home after what happened in midweek and with the options that Eddie Howe's got, as well as the belief,” he told Betfair. “They need to go on a bit of a run in the league, and I would hope that starts this weekend. I'm going to be at the game on Saturday.
“Newcastle should have too much for Fulham. I don't think Fulham will finish 15th, they'll be around about mid-table - they've had a tough start, but let's hope that tough start continues at the weekend.”
Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Fulham
Paul Merson
“I can't believe where Newcastle are in the league table,” he wrote in his SportsKeeda column. “I thought they were going to be top six at this stage, but they are 14th instead! But even their next opponents Fulham have underperformed so far this season. I'm not sure underperformed is the right word though, because there were games where Fulham deserved more in my opinion, but at least in terms of results, it has not gone according to plan at all.
“When Newcastle play with energy, close teams down quickly and press high up the pitch, they are a great team. But as soon as the energy drops and they get tired, it's a huge struggle for them. I have a feeling they will move up the table soon though. Newcastle have a good team, the midfield is great and with Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade hitting form, they can soon go on a roll, winning three-four games on the spin! I'm not worried about them at all.
“Fulham did well against Arsenal. But that defeat was their third straight loss in the Premier League. Unfortunately for them, I expect that run to continue this weekend as well. Fulham have Wycombe coming up in the fourth round of the EFL Cup next week and I think they will have one eye on that game. Marco Silva's team should look to have a real go at enjoying a deep cup run.”
Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Fulham
Chris Sutton
“I nearly always back Newcastle to win at home, even after they've just played in the Champions League, and I feel pretty confident about their chances here too,” he told BBC Sport. “Eddie Howe's side played well against Benfica in midweek and while I think Fulham are a well-organised team who are capable of going to St James' Park and winning - like they did last season - they are not in great form at the moment.”
Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Fulham
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