Newcastle United v Fulham
Date: 19/12/2020
K/O: 20.00
Venue: St. James’ Park
Referee: Graham Scott
TV: Sky Sports
Saturday night will play host to Fulham’s visit to Newcastle and, while a first glance at this fixture might make Strictly Come Dancing seem a more attractive watch, when you bear in mind that this game is one that could make or the Cottagers season the prospect of a thriller suddenly becomes more attractive.
The Premier League has proved time and time again that games don’t need to have the biggest teams to be some of the biggest fixtures, and this game could be one that is hiding just how exciting it could become.
Points at all Costs
Fulham’s fortunes have started to shift over the past few weeks. When they were promoted, there was a widespread sense that they were here too early. Scott Parker had done good work, pundits said, but his project was far from complete. Promotion had seemingly only been gained after an impressive play-off run and two extra-time goals from Joe Bryan in the final. But this opinion has started to change, and Fulham are looking more and more like they actually do belong at this top level. Survival seems more possible with every passing week.
A fantastic win over inconsistent Leicester City, after a number of good performances that yielded no points, gave hope to the cottagers. But it was a draw against Liverpool, one that probably should have been a win, that really set the stage for Scott Parker’s side. Against the Champions their football was impressive, and their ability to box in the Reds was to a degree rarely seen in the Premier League. Were it not for some frankly questionable refereeing decisions, they might have claimed all three points against Jurgen Klopp’s side. They followed this up with a draw against Brighton to further bolster their points total.
But points that “could” have been won do not appear on the table. This is what Fulham are in need of now, and this busy Christmas period is just the time to do it. Fulham are still in the relegation zone, but sit at 18th with 9 points in total. Yet only one point separating them and Burnley, who have a worse goal difference than the cottagers, and are another point away from 16th placed Brighton. One weekend, and a good result, could change everything down there – and one lift might be all that is needed to raise Fulham’s bar enough that they are playing good enough to survive.
Newcastle could be just the opportunity they need. The Magpies are 8 points above them in the table, but are vulnerable. They have lost three of their last five games, and conceded only one goal less than Fulham. If the Cottagers can push on here, and take three points that would almost certainly push them out of the relegation zone, they might be set for a survival push that would prove them worthy of a place in the Premier League.
A New Talisman for the Toon?
Callum Wilson’s headed assist for Jeff Hendrick was one of the better parts of their game against Leeds, especially the latter stages in which they started to come undone. But this assist marked his tenth goal contribution in just 11 performances for the Magpies (7 goals, 3 assists). These stats alone are rather impressive, and mean he averages just under one goal contribution in every game he plays.
But is who they are comparable too they will make Magpie fans truly appreciate his arrival at the club. The only English player to reach double figures for goal contributions in the top flight for Newcastle in less games was Alan Shearer, who managed the feat in his first 10 performances. Wilson is proving extremely valuable for the Magpies, and if he continues in his current vein of form then who is to say he won’t become a future talisman? Just don’t expect him to replicate Shearer – his numbers go above and beyond.
Despite their recent loss to Leeds, who sit in a comparable place in the table, Newcastle already looked like they are well secured for a place in the Premier League next year. Considerable investment over the summer, something that used to be almost unseen in the Benitez years, has strengthened has seen Newcastle’s team grow to a compact squad full of Premier League quality players. Another year, and more money, could see Newcastle form a tight team that could start to push further and further up the table – leaving recent relegation worries firmly in the past.
Team News
Newcastle are still recovering from the coronavirus scare that took hold of the club, with four to five unnamed players still missing through illness. The club continues to shield the names of those players who are still ill with COVID-19. In news of their other injuries, Jamaal Lascelles and Allan Saint-Maximin still remain out with their respective injuries, but they have no new injury concerns to speak of – though Ryan Fraser is likely to be rested to protect his hamstring after starting in midweek.
Fulham’s only injury doubt is Bobby Decordova-Reid, and a late fitness test will determine whether he will feature of not. Kenny Tete and Terrence Kongolo are also unavailable through injury but are expected to return soon after it was confirmed they would play in the club’s U23 side next Monday.
Predicted Starting XIs
Newcastle (4-4-2): Darlow; Krafth, Fernández, Clark, Lewis; Almirón, Shelvey, Hayden, Ritchie; Gayle, Wilson.
Fulham (3-4-1-2): Areola; Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo; Kamara, Zambo-Anguissa, Lemina, Robinson; Cairney; Mitrovic, Lookman.
Predicted Score: Newcastle 2-2 Fulham
I will reiterate what I said at the beginning of this article: this game could be a classic in the making. Both teams seem evenly weighted against each other, but both need points. We might witness some fantastic end-to-end football at St James’ Park.
