Saturday Fulham Stuff (31/08/13)...

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Fulham At St James' Park – The UTD111 Preview

Match: Newcastle United v Fulham
Venue: St James' Park, Newcastle
Date: Saturday 31st August 2013
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Chris Foy
Fulham visit St James Park this weekend in a match which is already a "must win" game for Newcastle United if the rot isn't to firmly set in on our season even this early.

A thumping at Manchester City where we failed to score, and a home draw with West Ham where we failed to score have not really lifted the spirits of the Geordie faithful ahead of this game. Indeed, West Ham created enough chances to have comfortably won that game, only to see their finishing let them down.

Yes it can be argued that we won against Morecambe during the week in whatever the League Cup is called these days, but even in that game, we could have been 2-0 down by half time.

And all of this against a background of disharmony at the club, a Director of Football who doesn't seem capable of signing anyone, and a french midfielder with a lip on because he wants to warm the bench at Arsenal!

Team News

Newcastle United

Officially, the NUFC Physio Room is quite busy with Williamson, Tiote, Gutierrez, Haidara, Remy, Alnwick and of course long-term casualty Ryan Taylor all getting treatment of one sort or another. However, it's possible that QPR player Loic Remy might be fit enough to play some part in proceedings.

This will also be the final game of Steven Taylor's ban for that daft sending off at Man City.

Word from manager Alan Pardew this week is that he is insisting that Le Sulk Cabaye puts his pet lip away and plays this weekend. Good luck with that one Alan! It will be interesting to see the reaction of the fans if Le Sulk does take to the field.

Fulham

Fulham will be without Kieran Richardson, keeper Maarten Stekelenburg and Fernando Amorebieta. They're also expected to only bring the usual mini-bus load of fans, so extra tickets are on sale up in the clouds for this game.

They do bring with them though ex-United players Scott Parker, Aaron Hughes and Damien Duff, as well as a player we were alleged to be interested in over the summer in dangerous Darren Bent.

Form

We won the corresponding game last season with a goal from Papiss Demba Cisse. Remember him? He's the little lad who runs around up front on his own and hardly gets a sniff of the ball. He used to score goals. As we know though, the fact he doesn't these days is due to a number of factors, including tactics, team set-up, our Director of Football's apparent inability to sign a target man to back him up and the abysmal lack of creativity from the current midfield.

The least said about United's current form the better – although I will say that there were some encouraging signs of life in the home game with West Ham.

Fulham started the season with a 1-0 win at the MFI Flatpak stadium down the road. No doubt a result that had the mackem's manager "Dance Like Yer Dad" DeCanio cancelling yet another item off the list of things the unwashed are allowed to eat. That victory for Fulham isn't much of a form guide as the mackems look set to implode and seem likely to be one of the teams who will keep us up this season.

Fulham were then thumped at home by Arsenal and subsequently won a penalty shoot-out against the mighty Burton Albion in the League Cup.

What the Managers Are Saying

United manager Alan Pardew told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle:

"I do think it will be a tight game. I watched them at Sunderland and I thought Sunderland did well without hurting them. That is the problem with Fulham. They are a good defensive unit. They've got a player of real class in Berbatov in particular that anybody would want to see.

"Fulham have that danger element about them. But we should win. We have some options that improve us after West Ham.
[On-loan QPR player] Remy has got a good chance of being on the bench. "I don't want our fans chanting his name after half-time because, trust me, they won't be seeing him too early – unless we need him! We might see him with about 10 minutes to go because that's all he's got at the moment. Don't forget this game was won in the last minute last season, so he might be important. So I don't want to not have that option."

Prediction

I'm going for a 1-1 draw. Just don't ask me where our goal is going to come from!

Don't forget to vote in our new poll below, folks – Cheers!

What do you think? As ever, comments, opinions and views welcome below.


http://www.utd111.com/blog/2013/08/30/fulham-at-st-james-park-the-utd111-preview/?

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Newcastle v Fulham preview
Newcastle host Fulham as they go in search of their first three points of the Premier League season this weekend.

Midfielder Yohan Cabaye could return to the Newcastle squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with Fulham.

Manager Alan Pardew has told the 27-year-old he expects him to be available for the first time this season as the Magpies brace themselves for an improved bid from Arsenal.

Striker Loic Remy, the club's only senior signing to date this summer, could be involved from the bench after recovering from the calf problem he had when he signed from QPR, but midfielder Cheick Tiote (groin) will miss out as he joins Jonas Gutierrez (knee) and suspended defender Steven Taylor on the sidelines.

Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg is set to miss out with the shoulder injury he picked up in the 1-0 win over Sunderland on the opening day.

Fernando Amorebieta's debut remains on hold as the summer signing is still struggling with an injury whilst Kieran Richardson is still a long-term absentee with a hamstring problem.

John Arne Riise is set to continue at left-back while Alexander Kacaniklic could be included in the squad following making a return from injury during the midweek Capital One Cup win at Burton Albion.


http://www.football365.com/match/3630747/preview?

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Preview: Newcastle v Fulham – Ex-Captain Parker Could Dominate Toon Midfield

Newcastle United – Fulham

Date: 31st August

Venue: St. James' Park

KO: 3:00pm

The third week of the season comes upon us with two teams in vastly different moods facing off against each other,

Fulham were expected to struggle by most pundits this season, while most Newcastle fans were hoping for an improved season after last season's relegation fears.

Yet Fulham are the team with three points on the board after a win at Sunderland that Toon fans could have enjoyed, while Newcastle have just the one point and are yet to score a goal.

Team News: Newcastle United
Newcastle are suffering not only a form crisis but an injury crisis, with Loic Remy's continued absence leaving the burden on Papiss Cisse up front to deliver the goods in front of goal.

With midfield enforcer Chieck Tiote still injured and Yohan Cabaye "unsettled", their midfield is something of a dismantled figure, with even Jonas Gutierrez is also expected to be absent

Team News: Fulham
Fulham are unlikely to be able to call upon stellar signing Marten Stekelenburg in this match following his shoulder injury in the opening match against Sunderland, so David Stockdale is expected to keep his place in goal.

Fernando Amorebieta is also expected to miss out after picking up a knock, so Fulham may need to rearrange their defence in order to ensure Newcastle draw blanks for a third successive game.

Recent Form
Newcastle have started the season in wretched form, having failed to score a single goal in their heavy defeat at Manchester City, or the home tie with West Ham, which limped in at a tame goalless draw.

Fulham have recorded victory already in the north east following a win at the Stadium of Light, but just 15 chances created in that triumph and the following loss at home to Arsenal proves disappointing for a team that seems currently uncertain of their identity.

Players to Watch:
Newcastle – Papiss Demba Cisse
Two games, one point and no goals. The fact that Newcastle's Senegalese forward has failed to even muster a shot on goal is symptomatic of Newcastle's poor start to the season.

If the Toon are to arrest their poor beginning to this campaign, Cisse needs to take advantage of Fulham's very average defence in order to get some points on the board, especially at St James' Park.

Fulham –  Scott Parker
In his debut against Arsenal, Scott Parker was vastly improved on the poor performances that saw Spurs fans unfazed to see him depart this summer.

Three attempted tackles brought three successes, while he recorded a 92% pass success rate that meant he made 78 completed passes in a game against stellar opposition.

Prediction
Hard to pick a winner in this game, let alone a goal-scorer. Little to choose between two sides that will be happy to take mid-table come the end of the season, so a draw is a likely outcome.

Newcastle United 0 - 0 Fulham



http://squawka.com/news/2013/08/30/preview-newcastle-v-fulham-ex-captain-parker-could-dominate-toon-midfield/2013083019364?

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LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Newcastle v Fulham

I was at Morecambe to watch Newcastle in midweek and for 60 minutes it was a real struggle, but they stuck at it and in the end their quality shone through. There is a cloud hanging over them, though, with everyone asking will midfielder Yohan Cabaye stay or will he go?

They are working on getting some players in as well and the club needs a lift somewhere. Newcastle haven't won at home since the start of April but they are due a win. They are a better team than their league position showed last year but did all their January signings make them better? I'm not so sure.


Alan Pardew wanted to sign Darren Bent for Newcastle

Fulham won at Sunderland but they got taken apart by Arsenal last weekend. They've got Darren Bent in, who Alan Pardew wanted at Newcastle, and if he plays regularly he will score goals.

They have to work out how they will play this season as in Bent, Dimitar Berbatov, Bryan Ruiz and Adel Taarabt they have plenty of quality attacking players and it's all about finding a balance.

It may be that Martin Jol decides to play with an extra midfielder away from home, as their away form has not been good for years now. It won't be enough this weekend.

Prediction: 2-1



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23878289

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Newcastle United v Fulham: Squad sheets

It is safe to assume Damien Duff is no longer the Fulham player Newcastle fans most love to hate. Duff's disappointing displays during his Tyneside days pale into insignificance next to Darren Bent's double crime of once playing for Sunderland and rejecting the chance to join the hosts this summer. If Bent can expect a hot reception, Newcastle's unsettled Yohan Cabaye may receive a mixed one should he end his one-man strike by returning to action. Louise Taylor

Kick-off Saturday 3pm

Venue St James' Park

Last season Newcastle 1 Fulham 0

Referee C Foy

This season G0 Odds H 11-10 A 12-5D 12-5


Newcastle United v Fulham: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light.
Photograph: Graphic

Newcastle Utd

Subs from Elliot, Dummett, Sammy Ameobi, Rémy, Anita, Gouffran, Gosling, Bigirimana, Obertan, Vuckic

Doubtful Krul (groin)

Injured Tioté (groin, Sep), Williamson )knock, Sep), Haidara (hamstring, unknown), Gutiérrez (hamstring, unknown), R Taylor (knee, Aug 2014)

Suspended S Taylor (last of three)

Form guide (last six games) DLLWDL

Disciplinary record Y3 R1

Leading scorer No goals so far

Fulham

Subs from Etheridge, Briggs, Senderos, Boateng, Karagounis, Dejagah, Kacaniklic, Taarabt, Ruiz, Rodallega Doubtful None

Injured Stekelenburg (shoulder, Sep), Richardson (hamstring, Sep), Amorebieta (calf, Sep)

Suspended None

Form guide (last six games) LWWLLL

Disciplinary record Y5 R0

Leading scorer Bent, Kasami 1



http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/30/newcastle-fulham-premier-league-squad-sheets

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle v Fulham

by Conor McNamara
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: St James' Park Date: Saturday, 31 August

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has hinted that the unsettled Yohan Cabaye may feature for the first time this season.

Loic Remy (calf) looks set for a place on the bench, but Cheick Tiote (groin), Jonas Gutierrez (knee) and Steven Taylor (suspension) are out.

Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg (shoulder) remains sidelined so David Stockdale will again deputise.

Manager Martin Jol is also without the services of Kieran Richardson and new signing Fernando Amorebieta.

MATCH PREVIEW

Last weekend Fulham received an Arsenal backlash, when Arsene Wenger's team responded to early season criticism and scored three goals at Craven Cottage.

Newcastle fans will be hoping that their team can muster a similar revival after what has been the club's equal-worst start to a Premier League season since 2005.

While two games into a new season is a ridiculously early standpoint from which to judge the formative league table, Newcastle's position - in the bottom three already - has hardly helped morale on Tyneside.

From a top-five finish two seasons ago, to a bottom five finish in May; Newcastle fans know they can ill afford that downward trend to continue.

Yet to score a goal in the new Premier League campaign, it's a concern that Alan Pardew's side have only managed one shot on target during their two league games so far.

I was commentating at Morecambe on Wednesday night when it took Newcastle until the 84th minute to finally break the deadlock against League Two opposition in the League Cup.

Both of the Ameobi brothers, Shola and Sammy, scored in the closing minutes at The Globe Arena and Pardew can only hope that finally finding the net this season proves to be a pivotal moment.

Coincidentally, the last time Fulham visited St James' Park Newcastle also came up with a very late goal - and that one certainly proved to be a massive turning point.

Papiss Cisse's 90th-minute winner in April moved Newcastle six points clear of the relegation zone, ensuring last season's slump did not become any worse than it might have been.

With Newcastle fans still crying out for high-profile arrivals, Fulham's new owner Shahid Khan has added Scott Parker, Adel Taarabt and Darren Bent to the ranks this summer. Martin Jol's side also had a taxing run-out in midweek against a League Two side, and were taken all the way to penalties by Burton Albion.

Fulham have a good record against Newcastle in recent years, managing to beat them in seven of the last eight seasons they've been in the same division.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
The home side has won this fixture the last five times it has been played.

Fulham have beaten Newcastle in 11 of 22 Premier League matches. The only club they have a beaten more is Bolton (12).

Newcastle are chasing a third successive home win against the Whites. Overall they have won five of 11 Premier League home games against Fulham (D3, L3)

The three previous league meetings between these sides in the month of August have produced 19 goals - an average of over six per game.

Newcastle
Newcastle have failed to score in three successive Premier League games - they haven't failed to score in four in a row since January 2008.
The Magpies have managed only one shot on target in total in the Premier League this season; fewer than any other side.
Alan Pardew has used only two English players so far in the Premier League this season, fewer than any other side.
The Magpies have won just two of their last 11 league matches (against Fulham and QPR). Both victories were by a one-goal margin.

Fulham
Fulham have won their last two away league matches, their most recent coming in the north-east at Sunderland. They have not won three in a row in since May 2008.
Seven of the last nine league goals scored by Fulham have come in the second half.
The Whites have gone eight league games without a draw.
Darren Bent became the eighth player to score for six different Premier League clubs last weekend (after Nick Barmby, Marcus Bent, Craig Bellamy, Andy Cole, Peter Crouch, Les Ferdinand and Robbie Keane).


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23822533

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Stekelenburg Shoulder Woe
   
Having splashed out £4 million, to AS Roma, for the experienced Dutch keeper, Maarten Stekelenburg, the Dutchman`s career at Craven Cottage hasn`t gotten off to the ideal start.

Stekelenburg suffered a shoulder injury in our first game of the new season, up at the Stadium of Light, and the injury is now giving the club cause for concern.

The Dutchman will be absent from the party that travels to the North-East, to take on Newcastle this Saturday, with Martin Jol explaining,

"He`s in hospital now, they will take some pictures and monitor the situation and try to see after the assessment."

Hopefully, the damage will not see Stekelenburg send too long on the sidelines.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=330539#ixzz2dWdStcvk

[WhiteJC]

 
Defender Interest
   
Perhaps all the wheeling and dealing, this summer transfer window, hasn`t been completed.

With there being a couple of days to go before the window slams shut on Monday evening, Martin Jol has admitted that Fulham Football Club still have a few irons in the fire and that one possible recruitment could see the 26 year-old Parma defender Yohan Benalouane become a Cottager.

We await developments with baited breath!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=330540#ixzz2dWdd3tcO

[WhiteJC]

 
Inside Newcastle

Newcastle United fan Neal Parker gives us an insight into the home camp ahead of Fulham's trip to St James's Park on Saturday.

Both teams are two games into the season now, what are your hopes for Newcastle United?

I'm quite realistic, I think it's about making progress and that means an improvement on last season's finish of 16th. At times last term it was a bit too close for comfort, especially when you consider how well we did during the 2011/12 campaign. I feel we have a strong core to the side and I'd like to think that will stand us in good stead. We had a tough start at Manchester City, but there were positives to be taken from the game against West Ham United last weekend. Two years ago we started really well, with an 11-game unbeaten run. You want to get off to a good start because it sets a tone and it builds momentum.

How would you describe the style of play at St James' Park?

On our day, we're very capable of playing really good football – it can be a joy to watch. Alan Pardew sets up in a way where he likes the team to keep possession, and that works well in our usual 4-3-3 formation. Our midfielders are all comfortable on the ball, and when it clicks it's very smooth.

Who are the Magpies' key players?

Fabricio Coloccini has been convinced to stay, when perhaps we thought he may have left us this summer. For me, he's one of the best defenders in the Barclays Premier League; he's a real leader and is a player with vast experience. He's tough, makes key tackles, but is also a threat in the opposition box. I'm a big fan of Papiss Cisse too, and having not scored as many goals as he would have liked last season, I'm backing him to come back and score for fun this term. Tim Krul, Moussa Sissoko and Cheick Tiote remain invaluable players too.

Fulham make the trip to Tyneside this Saturday. What sort of game are you expecting?

I like Fulham, and they're a side that are always capable of something. I imagine it will be fairly tight, as in recent seasons there has been little between the two – we'll forget the 5-2 thumping we got at Craven Cottage in January 2012. I think both sets of fans will agree that there's more to come from both teams, and if that's the case on Saturday, it could be a cracking game. Both play positive football and get the ball down. Chances will be created at either end and, for me, this game could be won or lost in midfield.

Which Fulham players do you think will provide the biggest threat?

Dimitar Berbatov is the obvious choice, but he still strikes fear into opposing defences - the man oozes class. Fulham have a strong squad this season, and I've been really impressed by their additions. Newcastle fans know all about Scott Parker from his time at the club, and there will be more than a few casting envious glances at Darren Bent. It was well documented that the club was trying to get him in over the summer, but it was Fulham that managed to do the deal. Bent scores goals, it's that simple. If he plays, then I think he could be the biggest threat.


What are your standout memories from games between Newcastle and Fulham from the past?

The first Newcastle v Fulham game I attended was actually at Craven Cottage back in October 2003. I remember it because we were 2-0 down inside the first 1o minutes with two former Magpies, Lee Clark and Louis Saha, scoring the goals. Laurent Robert reduced the deficit, before two second-half goals from Alan Shearer settled the match. I like Craven Cottage, and I've been back a fair few times since. Games at St James' Park have been quite tight – no more so than last season when Cisse scored a 90th-minute winner. That win moved us five points of relegation, and you could feel that an element of pressure had been lifted.

For those Fulham fans making the trip, what can they expect when they visit St James' Park?

I know I might be slightly biased, but a trip to St James' Park has to be amongst the best in the Premier League. I've taken friends to matches in the past and every time they leave with only good words to say! The atmosphere is as good as anywhere I've seen or heard, and I've been to most grounds in the league now. The away fans are usually up in the heavens, so they'll have a decent view of the pitch. I've met Fulham fans on trips to St James' Park before and they've always seemed to enjoy themselves. I'm sure Saturday will be no different.

Where's the best place for a pre-match pint?

Newcastle is a cracking place for a drink or a night out after the game – there's so much choice. The ground isn't too far from the train station, so it's probably best to have a few near there when they get off. There are pubs in closer proximity to the ground, but it will be full of home fans. A cheap alternative is the Wetherspoons – you can't go wrong in there! Across the road from the station, you'll find Pink Lane where you will find the Forth and The Town Wall - both of which are worth a visit.

Score prediction?

As I said, there's more to come from both Newcastle and Fulham. I think we're looking at this one as a chance for three points, but at the same time I'm sure the visitors will fancy their chances too. Still, at home, with more than 50,000 Geordies behind them, I'm going for a 2-1 win for the Magpies.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/august/30/inside-newcastle?

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League: Newcastle United v Fulham match preview
A look ahead to the afternoon Premier League fixture at St James' Park



St James' Park will house anxious fans who await promising transfer news after a summer of inaction. The arrival of Joe Kinnear and his limited impact on summer signings has disgruntled many whilst manager Alan Pardew has overseen some poor results on the pitch. Their previous stalemate with West Ham United went some way to repairing the damage inflicted on the side in their opening 4-0 demolition by a rampant Manchester City.

Fulham needed penalties against League Two Burton to proceed to the third round of the Capital One Cup in mid-week and Newcastle required two late goals from the Ameobi brothers to get past Morecambe.

Sought-after midfielder Yohan Cabaye could make the match-day squad amid interest from Arsenal whilst Loic Remy is in-line to make his debut from the bench in Saturday's game. Fulham will hope tough-tackling new-signing Scott Parker continues his good form and Darren Bent will be looking to add to his goal tally after netting in their defeat to Arsenal last weekend.



KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm



PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Newcastle 1 (Cisse) Fulham 0, Premier League, April 2013

Fulham 2 (Sidwell, Rodallega) Newcastle 1 (Ben Arfa), Premier League, December 2012

Fulham 5 (Murphy, Dempsey 3, Zamora) Newcastle 2 (Guthrie, Ben Arfa), Premier League, January 2012



STATS...

With one shot on target this season, Newcastle have the lowest tally in the Premier League.

Fulham just edge their head-to-head record with 28 wins to Newcastle's 26.



ODDS...

Newcastle to win: 2.1

Fulham to win: 3.3

Draw: 3.5



TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/premier-league-newcastle-united-v-fulham-match-preview-8791779.html

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Jol dismisses Pardew claims

Martin Jol has rubbished Alan Pardew's claim that Darren Bent joined Fulham as a "safer option".

Pardew made the claim before this weekend's match which sees Bent and Fulham visit St James' Park after the striker turned down a move to Newcastle earlier in the summer.

The Magpies boss suggested that the 29-year-old chose to join Fulham to play under less pressure at Craven Cottage than he would in the North East and that swayed his decision.

However, Jol has dismissed these claims, citing regular first-team football was the main reason Bent joined the club.

According to the London Evening Standard, Fulham manager Jol said: "I really do not know what he [Alan Pardew] means.

"I feel he probably made the right decision because he knows that he is in our plans and that means he will play a lot of games.

"He knows he is an important part of my squad - otherwise I think he would have gone to Newcastle."

Bent opened his Fulham account as he grabbed his side's only goal in last weekend's defeat to Arsenal and Jol has backed him to rebuild his career during the loan spell after being frozen out at Aston Villa.

He added: "He was eager to play and eager to start [last weekend]. He joined us late but his fitness looks good and he is ready to start."



http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/8897390/Jol-dismisses-Pardew-s-claim-that-Darren-Bent-chose-Fulham-as-safer-option-?

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle v Fulham – Premier League match preview

Fresh from tasting victory for the first time this season against Morecambe on Wednesday, Newcastle must now focus their attention back to the Premier League.
The visitors this weekend are Fulham and United will be looking to build on the 0-0 home draw with West Ham last weekend by taking all three points against the Cottagers.

Our league for has been atrocious reaching back into last season so a result is needed even at this early stage of the season. We've not scored a Premier League goal in five attempts and in truth we could still have been playing against West Ham now and we probably wouldn't have managed to find the back of the net. We lack bite in attack, but perhaps a midweek win might just be enough to get some belief and confidence trickling through to the players.

Newcastle:

Loic Remy could feature from the bench and make his Premier League debut for us, but it's the talk of another Frenchman that is dominating the headlines. Yohan Cabaye has reportedly been told to be prepared to play after refusing to play/being left out since the start of the season in the wake of transfer interest from Arsenal.

Steven Taylor completes the final game of his three match ban picked up for his red card on the opening day of the season although Jonas Gutierrez, Cheick Tiote and Massadio Haidara are sidelined along with Ryan Taylor. Mike Williamson and Gabriel Obertan have not been reported as being injured although their absence from any squad so far this season would suggest that they are.

Having made eight changes in midweek we are likely to revert to our regular side for this game which will mean recalls for Fabricio Coloccini, Papiss Cisse, Moussa Sissoko, Hatem Ben Arfa and Tim Krul among others.

Fulham:

Kieran Richardson, Maarten Stekelenburg and Fernando Amorebieta will not travel with the squad due to injury but otherwise Martin Jol has a full squad to choose from.

Previously...

Newcastle managed to beat Fulham towards the tail end of last season with Papiss Cisse scoring a winner in stoppage time. In terms of the Premier League at St James' Park we don't have such a bad record having won five of the eleven times the two sides have faced each other here in the North-East. Three draws and three defeats make up the eleven matches.

However overall, home and away in all competitions it is Fulham who hold the advantage. In total there have been 60 meetings between the two sides with Fulham winning in 26 of those compared to 21 for United.

Stats and facts:

The three previous league meetings between these sides in the month of August have produced 19 goals – an average of over six per game.

The Magpies have managed only one shot on target in total in the Premier League this season; fewer than any other side.

Alan Pardew has used only two English players so far in the Premier League this season, fewer than any other side.

Final thought:

Quite simply we need a win and it must come at any cost. Fulham will be tough to beat and present a threat to us in attack so we need to be careful whilst at least trying to pose an attacking threat of our own. Suffice to say, despite registering a win the other night, I'm not confident again.

Howay the lads!

Date: Saturday, 31st August, 2013

Time: 15:00

Venue: St James' Park



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2013/08/30/newcastle-v-fulham-premier-league-match-preview-2/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Loic Remy could get Newcastle United last 10 minutes v Fulham

ALAN Pardew has warned that it could be another late, late show against Fulham at St James's Park tomorrow.

ALAN Pardew has warned that it could be another late, late show against Fulham at St James's Park tomorrow.

Newcastle United beat Martin Jol's side in April thanks to a Papiss Demba Cisse goal four minutes into injury time.

Cisse jumped into the crowd to celebrate the strike, which came with Newcastle mired in a Premier relegation battle.

And it could take a similarly dramatic strike to defeat them again.

United manager Alan Pardew is planning to give summer signing Loic Remy a 10-minute cameo now he is close to full fitness after recovering from a calf injury.

While Pardew - whose side couldn't muster a shot on target against West Ham United last weekend – doesn't believe Remy could come on any earlier, he feels he could make an explosive debut.

"We have some options that improve us after West Ham," Pardew told SportMail. "Remy has got a good chance of being on the bench.

"I don't want our fans chanting his name after half-time because, trust me, they won't be seeing him too early – unless we need him.

"We might see him with about 10 minutes to go because that's all he's got at the moment.

"But don't forget this game was won in the last minute last season so he might be important. So I don't want to not have that option."

Remy turned down a move to Newcastle in January and instead joined QPR.

But the 26-year-old was made available for loan after QPR's relegation, and United paid a £2m fee to bring him to St James's Park for the season.

The France international can play up front or on the wings. He netted six goals for QPR.

Pardew admits he is wary of Fulham's attacking talent, not least ex-Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov and on-loan striker Darren Bent, who was the subject of interest from Newcastle this summer.

"We go to looking for a win, but I do think it will be a tight game," said Pardew.

"I watched them at Sunderland (when Fulham won 1-0), and I thought Sunderland did well without hurting them.

"That's the problem with Fulham – they are a good defensive unit.

"And they've got a player of real class in Berbatov, in particular, that anybody would want to see.

"Fulham have that danger element about them, but we should win."



http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle-utd/loic-remy-could-get-newcastle-united-last-10-minutes-v-fulham-1-5999520

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Newcastle vs Fulham - Match preview and team news

After being severely tested by League Two opposition in the Capital One Cup during the week, Newcastle United and Fulham meet in the Premier League.



Two late goals saw the Magpies past Morecambe, although they have not yet found the net in the league. Indeed, they failed to muster a shot on target against West Ham, and there is plenty of negativity surrounding the club at present, highlighted by the lack of new signings. Newcastle will see this as a must win game.

Fulham scraped past a determined Burton Albion on penalties on Tuesday, and they return to the North East after picking up maximum points at Sunderland on the opening day. However, they were comfortably beaten at home by Arsenal, which may have been slightly concerning for boss Martin Jol.

Newcastle are without Cheick Tiote and Jonas Gutierrez because of injury, while Loic Remy could make the substitute's bench as he recovers from a calf problem. Steven Taylor completes a three match ban after his sending off at Manchester City, and Yohan Cabaye's participation is in doubt, with the Frenchman intent on leaving the club.

David Stockdale will continue in goal for Fulham in the absence of Maarten Stekelenburg, while new signing Fernando Amorebieta, along with Kieran Richardson, also misses out.


http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_0_21756_-.html#.UiGN2Ra_wds

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol warns Kasami over Fulham spot

PAJTIM Kasami has been warned he's not guaranteed a place in Fulham's first-team squad despite his impressive start to the season.

The young midfielder has started both of their Premier League games, scoring the winning goal at Sunderland on the opening day, while Bryan Ruiz has been kicking his heels on the sidelines.

Kasami spent the second half of the season on loan at Lucerne, and Jol has refused to rule out another loan switch if his chances at Craven Cottage prove limited.

He said: "For me the main factor is that he made a big step and it's about success.

"Last year and the year before he didn't have a lot of success so we put him on loan and he's come back and had a good pre-season, a few assists and a goal against Sunderland.

"So he has made a big step but that doesn't necessarily mean he's in the team now and he knows that."

Jol added: "It's a little problem to put him on loan abroad because in England you get them back. They need games - that is the main thing.

"I'm always looking at their situation and try to get the best for them and for us."



Read more: Fulham Chronicle http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/08/30/82029-33790357/?#ixzz2dWfcavdl

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle United v Fulham preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats
Check out all the vital statistics ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting at St James' Park



Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Newcastle and Fulham, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/newcastle-united-v-fulham-preview-team-strengths-tactics-and-stats-8791883.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League: Fulham defender Aaron Hughes demands solid defensive display


Aaron Hughes: Seeking a robust defensive display from Fulham

Fulham defender Aaron Hughes has urged his side to turn in a robust defensive display similar to the one that saw them win 1-0 at Sunderland when they face Newcastle on Saturday.

Martin Jol's side have struggled since then, struggling to edge past Burton on penalties in the Capital One Cup in midweek after suffering a 3-1 home defeat to Arsenal last weekend.

But Northern Ireland international Hughes is keen to focus on their impressive display at the Stadium of Light when they return to the North East.

"We went up there a couple of weeks ago to play Sunderland and got a good result," he told Fulham's official website.

"This weekend will be very much similar to that game as they'll have a big crowd behind them, the team will be looking to get off to a good start and we're going to have to do something similar to what we did at Sunderland.

"We'll have to be as strong in defence as we were at Sunderland, but maybe try and use the ball a little bit better.

"Sunderland wasn't our best performance football-wise, but in terms of being solid and defensively strong and everyone working really, really hard it was as good as we've had in a long time, so we need another performance like that.

"We can expect a tough game on Saturday, we know they're going to come out and really push hard to get off to a good start."

Hughes played over 200 times for Newcastle at the start of his career and he highlighted the pressure their players will be under from their expectant fans.

"At a club like Newcastle there's always something to talk about," added Hughes.

"It's very much that when things are going well, the expectation's really heightened, almost to the point where it's over the top.

"Then if things aren't going well it's all doom and gloom and it's the end of the world. It just comes with being at Newcastle because it always has been very fanatical.

"I think as a player you always try and stay somewhere in the middle. You just get your head down and work hard, and look to get through it.

"Equally, when things are going well, you don't get carried away because you know that round the corner anything can happen."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8897662?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dan Burn Is Hotting Up
   
With each passing game Dan Burn seems to becoming more and more comfortable in that first team line-up.

The former ASDA employee would be forgiven for thinking he would never see footballs professional leagues, but the 6ft7 21 year old certainly won't be looking back now.

Burn credits a lot of his new found strength at centre back down to his loan at Yeovil last year where he managed to put on some weight and make himself a presence at the back.

Dan Burn is doing what few Premier League players do this year, and that is come right the way through the leagues. With Darlington he played in the Bet Square Premier and League 2 before securing his move to Fulham and being loaned to Yeovil in League 1.

Now he is playing in the Championship with Blues and making a terrific go of it.

The Birmingham Mail spoke to Burn and he emphasised his desire to move on up and take his chances 'It`s everyone`s aim to play in the Premier League and I want to keep progressing.'


Read more: http://www.birmingham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=330558#ixzz2dWgOkatc

[WhiteJC]

 
Papiss Cisse v Dimitar Berbatov: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Newcastle United and Fulham
Check out all the vital statistics concerning the two sides' strikers ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting at St James' Park



Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Newcastle and Fulham, see how the sides' strikers Papiss Cisse and Dimitar Berbatov compare.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/papiss-cisse-v-dimitar-berbatov-headtohead-analysis-ahead-of-the-clash-between-newcastle-united-and-fulham-8792014.html

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Pardew is under pressure and Fulham may well add to his woes

Fulham will be looking for a Tyne-Wear double when they visit St James's Park to face Newcastle.

Having already won at Sunderland on the opening day of the season, they will now be looking to add to Magpies boss Alan Pardew's woes.

Newcastle have only had one shot on target in their opening two league fixtures, but are 11/10 favourites with Fulham 27/10 and the draw at 5/2.

Still, Fulham won't have a better opportunity to pick up all three points at Newcastle and the natives are bound to get restless if their team don't score an early goal.

These are difficult times for the Geordies and Martin Jol's men can add to their misery – take the 11/1 at BetVictor for another 1-0 win in the North East.

Note Pardew is our 2/1 favourite to be the first Premier League manager to lose/leave his post this season.

Fulham entertain Everton in the next round of the Capital One Cup after their penalty shoot-out victory at Burton on Tuesday.

The Whites are 40/1 to lift the trophy with Chelsea our 4/1 favourites at BetVictor.

Chelsea are now 25/1 (from 50/1) to go through the 2013/14 Premier League season unbeaten after their goalless draw at Old Trafford on Monday and 9/4 (from 12/5) to regain title after their encouraging start to the new campaign.

Jose Mourinho won the battle of wits with David Moyes and also got one over on London rivals Tottenham with the swoop to sign Willian.

Chelsea take on Bayern Munich in the Uefa Super Cup and we will refund ALL losing Correct Score, First/Last Goalscorer and Scorecast bets as a free bet up to £25 should the game go to penalties.

Bayern Munich are 4/5 favourites with Chelsea 15/4 and the draw 11/4.

For all your weekend odds check out betvictor.com.

Be lucky

Charlie



http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/pardew-is-under-pressure-and-fulham-may-well-add-to-his-woes