Saturday Fulham Stuff - 19/12/20...

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Michael Owen proves he hasn't been watching NUFC with odd comments ahead of Newcastle vs Fulham

Michael Owen has released his prediction ahead of tonight's clash between Newcastle United and Fulham at St James' Park.

Like Mark Lawrenson, he's backing us to come away with a comfortable 2-0 win, but his comments will leave a few Newcastle fans scratching their heads.

He reckons we'll have "too much for Fulham" if we play as we did in the first half against Leeds on Wednesday, believing we played well all night prior to their flurry of late goals in the final 15 minutes.

I don't know about anyone else, but I thought we were second best all night at Elland Road and rarely "playing well", with Leeds having 25 shots, missing several decent chances (despite scoring five!) and enjoying 69% of the ball!

Nevertheless, we'll have to hope his prediction is right, telling Bet Victor that we'll win 2-0:

    "Unbeaten in their last two matches, Fulham should come into this brimming with confidence. Despite not being at their best, they got a point midweek against Brighton. Picking up points when not playing well is crucial if you want to stay in the Premier League, so there is still hope for the Cottagers.

    "They take on a Newcastle side that endured a late onslaught against Leeds at Elland Road. Up until Leeds got their 3rd, the Magpies were playing well.

    "This match is likely to be more suited to Newcastle, and if they can play like they did in the first half against Leeds, I think they'll have too much for Fulham."

    Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Fulham

He joins Steve Bruce in feeling we 'gave as good as we got' in midweek, but they must've been watching a different game to me.

Don't get me wrong, we often looked like hurting a fragile Leeds back four when we got forward, but every Newcastle United attack seemed to come on the back of about five or six near misses at the other end.

Moving forward, we'll have to hope Bruce can get the balance right much better this weekend, with Fulham improving defensively in recent weeks and looking much more confident at the other end after impressive results against Leicester and Leeds over the past fortnight.

It still remains a very winnable game, however Michael Owen may be in for a shock if he thinks a repeat of Wednesday night's display will see us win comfortably here!



https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2020/12/19/michael-owen-proves-he-hasnt-been-watching-nufc-during-newcastle-vs-fulham-prediction/

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Newcastle vs Fulham: Prediction, TV channel, live stream, team news, kick-off time, latest odds, h2h results

Fulham travel to Newcastle United tonight with their hosts still feeling the effects of a recent Covid-19 outbreak.

Steve Bruce will once again be missing several players amid fears two are suffering from long-term Covid-19, with a 5-2 defeat at Leeds United in midweek no surprise given the circumstances.

As for Fulham, Scott Parker's side have picked up five points from their last four games - including a draw against Liverpool - to spark hopes that they can mount a credible fight against relegation.

Newcastle vs Fulham prediction: 1-1 draw

Both sides will feel they can take a victory this weekend, though neither team's defence is completely trustworthy. A point apiece would probably be a good result for both Bruce and Parker.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Newcastle vs Fulham is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off tonight (Saturday, December 19, 2020).

The game will be played behind-closed-doors at St James' Park, with Newcastle under Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions.

How to watch Newcastle vs Fulham

TV channel: Tonight's game will be televised on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the match online on Sky's website or via the SkyGo app.

Newcastle vs Fulham team news

Magpies pair Isaac Hayden and defender Federico Fernandez both played at Leeds in midweek after recovering from the virus, but more unnamed members of the squad are still unavailable - with two in particular unwell.

Defenders Javier Manquillo, Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar and winger Allan Saint-Maximin have been missing in recent weeks, but Andy Carroll is approaching full fitness after a calf problem, while goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is closing in on his return.

Newcastle provisional squad: Darlow, Gillespie, Lewis, Yedlin, Dummett, Fernandez, Krafth, Clark, Hayden, S. Longstaff, Hendrick, Shelvey, Ritchie, Murphy, M. Longstaff, Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton, Carroll, Gayle.

Fulham's Bobby Decordova-Reid faces a late fitness check. The 27-year-old forward has picked up a quad concern, and will be checked at the last minute.

Former Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic will come into contention to start against his old club as he continues to shake off recent injury issues.

Fulham provisional squad: Areola, Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Decordova-Reid, Anguissa, Reed, Robinson, Loftus-Cheek, Lookman, Cavaleiro, Rodak, Odoi, Mitrovic, Cairney, Ream, Lemina, Kamara.

Newcastle vs Fulham h2h Premier League results

Newcastle wins: 10

Draws: 4

Fulham wins: 12

Last meeting: Fulham 0-4 Newcastle (December 22, 2018)

Newcastle vs Fulham odds and betting tips (subject to change)

Newcastle to win: 7/4

Draw: 9/4

Fulham to win: 2/1

1-1 draw: 6/1

Odds via Betfair Exchange. Click here to find out more.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle-vs-fulham-prediction-tv-channel-live-stream-team-news-time-odds-h2h-results-2020-premier-league-b376118.html

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Get your matchday programme for Fulham clash

Fulham come to St. James' Park on Saturday (kick-off 8pm GMT) and you can still get your copy of UNITED, the Magpies' award-winning matchday programme, for the game.

Packed with 84 pages of exclusive interviews and features, plus regular columns from head coach Steve Bruce and captain Jamaal Lascelles, Saturday's programme is on sale now and is available here, priced at £3.50 plus postage (£5.25 inclusive).

Each programme will be produced with a limited print run only, in conjunction with the club's programme partners Curtis Sport on a schedule that allows them to arrive before kick-off*, but you can still buy a copy now.

Overseas supporters will also be able to order copies but these will attract increased postage charges and delivery will not be guaranteed before matchday. Subscriptions covering the whole season - priced at £95 including postage - are available here.

Emil Krafth is the star of Saturday's edition, with the Swedish star talking about his impressive return to action in the win over West Brom last weekend, while goalkeeper Karl Darlow answers supporters' questions in Zoom Army.

Our Lost Grounds series continues with a look at Brentford's Griffin Park, with the Magpies due to travel to the Bees' brand new home in the Carabao Cup this week.

We catch up with former midfielder Matty Pattison in this week's Guest Appearance, with the South African reflecting on his time in a black and white shirt under Glenn Roeder and also telling us a bit about what he's up to now.

Club Historian Paul Joannou looks at the Newcastle players who went on to open high-profile shops in the city, including one-time Cottagers boss Malcolm Macdonald, while Stan Gate provides his usual dose of nostalgia and an update for collectors in The Wonderful World of Football Programmes, and elsewhere, we get to know a little more about Academy prospect George Rounsfell.

All that, and more, is available to order here.

Due to the Covid-19 guidelines issued to clubs, programmes are not currently available to buy around the ground on a matchday, but in addition to online ordering, copies of UNITED will be available to buy in the Club Store at St. James' Park after each game, subject to availability. A limited number of programmes from the Magpies' home league and cup games so far this season are available online here.

* We will make every effort to get your programme to you in time for each game. We cannot, however, guarantee delivery by matchday due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Royal Mail scheduling.



https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/get-your-matchday-programme-for-fulham-clash/

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Wealdstone bring in former Chelsea and Fulham youngster Debayo

Wealdstone have brought in former Chelsea and Fulham youngster Josh Debayo on a non-contract basis.

The 24-year-old, who is capable of playing down the left-hand side as well as in the centre of defence, most recently played for Cheltenham Town.

Debayo, who has been without a club since the summer, previously featured for Southampton and Leicester's youth teams.

He joins an injury-hit Wealdstone squad with Ross Lafayette, Moses Emmannuel, Connor Stevens, Michael Phillips and Danny Parish all out of the FA Trophy game against Eastleigh.

But defender Dan Wishart is available for selection as the Stones look to advance to fourth round.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/non-league/wealdstone-bring-in-former-chelsea-and-fulham-youngster-debayo

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'Not sure it would be allowed now' - Scott Parker opens up on iconic tackle on Joe Cole at Newcastle

Parker captained Newcastle during the 2006/07 season and returns to the club as manager of Fulham this evening


Joe Cole is sent airborne after being tackle by Scott Parker during Newcastle United's game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on November 19, 2005

When Newcastle fans think back to Scott Parker's two seasons at St James' Park, two iconic images spring to mind.

Of course, the infamous image of Parker holding the 2006 Intertoto Cup aloft immediately crops up but so, too, does a thunderous tackle on his former England and Chelsea team-mate Joe Cole at Stamford Bridge.

Parker clattered into Cole and not only took the ball but followed through to Cole so hard that the former Chelsea star did a back flip in the air.

It was an image that was the mobile phone screensaver of many a Newcastle fan throughout the region and is still spoken about to this day.

As such, when Parker was interviewed by 'Tubes' on the latest episode of Sky Sports Show Soccer AM, the crunching tackle cropped up in conversation.

"Joe came in [to Fulham] the other week and we spoke about that, to be fair," Parker said.

"I am not sure that would be allowed now!"

Parker captained Newcastle during the 2006/07 campaign and will return to St James' Park for the first time as a manager this evening as his Fulham side take on the Magpies.

Speaking ahead of the game, he told the Cottagers' official website: "They're a good side, a very well organised side with individuals in their team that can cause you problems.

"They've got a manager in Steve who's done a fantastic job throughout his career.

"Look, it's a tough place to go, St James' Park. I played there for a couple of years so I understand what it's like there. They've got quality, so it will be a tough, tough game for us, but one we're looking forward to.

"It's definitely a game where we want to go up there and try and win. It's a game that we want to try and take points from.

"Newcastle have had some up and down results, like a lot of teams this year, but they're a very good side who will cause teams problems. They've got some very good personnel in their team.

"But in saying that, we're in a good run, we're in a good vein of form, so for sure we're going to go up there and try and win the game."




https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/not-sure-would-allowed-now-19488334

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Bruce will avoid Newcastle blunder by starting DeAndre Yedlin vs Fulham

Steve Bruce will avoid a major tactical blunder by unleashing Newcastle United defender DeAndre Yedlin on Fulham in Saturday night's Premier League encounter.

The Toon host Scott Parker's relegation-threatened Cottagers in the 20:00 kick-off, looking to bounce back from a humiliating 5-2 thrashing at Leeds United on Wednesday night.

Fulham will arrive on Tyneside as one of the top-flight's most out of form units, with only West Brom, Arsenal and Sheffield United claiming fewer points over the past six games.

Newcastle can move 11-points clear of Fulham with a win, but any hopes of victory will hinge on Bruce correcting for his Elland Road horrors and fielding Yedlin at right-back for his first start of the Premier League season.

Yedlin was given his first minutes of the campaign as a late substitute for Miguel Almiron at home to West Brom last weekend, but was not named in the 18-man squad to face Leeds with Bruce omitting the United States international for a ninth time this term.

Emil Krafth could only make the bench after holding the Magpies back in the 2-1 win over the Baggies, with Jacob Murphy instead called on to play out of position after providing the inch-perfect delivery for Dwight Gayle's winner over a then-Slaven Bilic led side.

Murphy fared reasonably well when pushing forward against Marcelo Bielsa's Whites during the week, yet was caught out too often defensively for Bruce to see any reason to retain the 25-year-old for Saturday night's clash at St. James' Park.

Yedlin, therefore, is the only solution Bruce can put forward at right-back to beat Fulham, with Javier Manquillo still on the sidelines through injury alongside fellow defenders Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar.

Yedlin impressing at home to Fulham could easily see the £4.5million-rated full-back save his Magpies career, too, with reports Toon chiefs are open to offers to avoid losing him for free at the end of the season when his £30,000-per-week contract expires.

A move away was possible in the summer, as well, but no suitable offers arrived despite interest from Major League Soccer and Turkish clubs, following which Bruce said he had no issues with Yedlin sticking around.

"The most difficult job that I've got is keeping everybody happy. Ultimately, we have to make the decision on 22 players. There's the difficult situation itself," he said in September, via quotes by the Chronicle.

"I am sure that DeAndre wants to play regularly. We have three recognised right-backs at the club which is not really that healthy, to be honest. However, DeAndre is somebody I like, as a pro, as a player. He just wants to play. I can understand that."

Bruce must now give Yedlin that chance to play after three months in the wilderness, or risk setting Newcastle up to be attacked when Fulham visit St. James' Park.



https://www.footballfancast.com/newcastle-united-news/bruce-team-news-deandre-yedlin-fulham-preview-opinion

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'It's All To Play For" – Bruce Points To Big Week For Newcastle United

Putting Wednesday's display at Leeds aside, Newcastle can still make big strides for a successful campaign this week. Today we take on newly-promoted Fulham, our third straight against this season's promotion teams.

The lads got the job done against West Brom last weekend before the collapse at Elland Road during midweek. Fulham have played better of late so Newcastle need to up their performances to get the desired three points.

That would take us to 20 points in the league after a third of the season (13 matches). Then it will be off to Brentford on Tuesday for a chance at a Carabao Cup semi-final. So by Christmas, Newcastle have a chance to set some decent markers if they can properly take care of business.

Steve Bruce is looking to accomplish just that this week. This is what the head coach said about the two upcoming games:

    "We've got two huge games coming up with this one and the cup tie on Tuesday.

    "What an opportunity to get to 20 points by Christmas and be in the semi-final of the cup.

    "It's all to play for so let's hope we can achieve it."

These are a massive two games for Newcastle but for different reasons. The Fulham match is one where three points should be expected. It's no gimme by any stretch, but to not take all the spoils at St. James' Park tonight will be very disappointing.

It's also the last match in the league before a difficult stretch against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Leicester. Tonight is not the time to give away points.

A win at Brentford on Tuesday would put Newcastle into a cup semi-final for the first time in 15 years. After the cups have been all but ignored in the Ashley era, a semi-final would a very welcomed occasion.



https://www.nufcblog.com/2020/12/19/375396/

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Fulham defender Joachim Andersen sets target against Newcastle United

The Whites can go above Burnley and Brighton with three points

Joachim Anderson will be unhappy with anything less than three points against Newcastle United.

The Denmark international only joined on loan during the last transfer window but isn't afraid to help set the standard.

Andersen has already donned the armband in the absence of Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic and it's easy to see why with his mindset.

He told the official Fulham website: "Again, it's similar to Brighton in that it's a game we have to win, in my opinion. It's a good opportunity to get three points and we must make sure that we're ready to go there and do that.

"Now we have tomorrow to work on some things and then we'll see where we stand and I'm sure that we'll play a great match. We need the three points."

The need for victory has only been emphasised following the Whites home draw with Brighton. Three points will take the Cottagers out of the relegation zone, albeit with Brighton and Burnley still to play.

"I feel a little bit disappointed because I had a feeling before the game that it was a really good chance to get three points," Andersen told fulhamfc.com. "The way we played was not how we wanted to, so I'm a little disappointed but at least we got a point.

"We didn't get everything we wanted from the game but that's how it is sometimes, and when that's the case you must make sure you don't lose.

"It's now our second clean sheet of the season. It's nice to show to the team, and show other teams, that we don't concede goals.

"That gives us such a good platform as we almost won, if we had scored with just one of our chances. That's really important for the team, that we have that base to build from."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-defender-joachim-andersen-sets-19489283

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Predicted Newcastle line-up vs Fulham: Longstaff axed, Almiron & Shelvey return

Newcastle United welcome Fulham to St. James' Park on Saturday night looking to bounce back from their 5-2 humbling at Leeds.

The Magpies had begun to build a run of form with wins over Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion before visiting Elland Road, where Steve Bruce's side were outpassed, outthought and outworked from the first kick of the game to the last.

Bruce will be looking for a response from his players when the Cottagers descend on Tyneside, but will have to consider changes to his starting line-up with a three-day turnaround and a vital Carabao Cup quarter-final looming.

So, with changes almost certain to avoid further physical damage on a squad still recovering from coronavirus, here's a predicted XI Bruce could name against Scott Parker's Fulham...

Bruce has confirmed he has no new injury concerns ahead of Saturday's encounter with Parker's relegation-threatened side, but conceded that he fears fatigue and illness will see a few miss the next couple of weeks.

Karl Darlow should expect to start in goal with Martin Dubravka still sidelined through injury alongside Allan Saint-Maximin, while Paul Dummett's absence should see Jamal Lewis retain his spot at left-back despite leaving fans irate with a horror show performance at Leeds.

Jacob Murphy will likely not be as fortunate at right-back, despite offering Bruce some positives at Elland Road going forward, as he was unable to bring the defensive support needed that DeAndre Yedlin would supply should he earn his first Premier League start of the season.

Sean Longstaff, who Rafa Benitez once praised as being "very humble" and hardworking, totally crumbled in West Yorkshire after his mistake gifted Leeds the chance to break for their third goal of the game and must be replaced against Fulham.

Jonjo Shelvey is the most likely name to feature alongside Isaac Hayden after sitting out the Elland Road affair given the quick turnaround between fixtures.

Miguel Almiron also only made the bench against Marcelo Bielsa's Whites and will expect to be recalled to face the Cottagers, joining Ryan Fraser in the starting line-up after the former AFC Bournemouth winger registered a joint-team high three key balls against Leeds.

Dwight Gayle was unable to deliver the same impact from the bench at Elland Road that he brought against West Brom, leaving Bruce with no choice but to retain faith in Joelinton partnering top-scorer Callum Wilson despite the Brazilian only scoring once in 11 league games.



https://www.footballfancast.com/newcastle-united-news/predicted-steve-bruce-line-up-fulham-longstaff-lewis-almiron-shelvey-team-injury-news-opinion

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