Newcastle United vs Fulham tips and predictions: Back goals as tired Toon host energetic Cottagers

Newcastle United were running on fumes by the time the fresh legs of Samuel Chukwueze broke away and scored the goal to shatter Toon hearts.

Despite giving a very good account of themselves on Wednesday, Eddie Howe’s side have lost three on the spin, uncharacteristically shipping nine goals in the process.

Usually first to every loose ball at St James’ Park, Newcastle were outbattled by a dogged Milan side who won the majority of duels on the night.

Fulham were afforded six days of rest in the build-up to this fixture and have played just two fixtures compared to United’s four in December.

If Marco Silva's side want to make the most of this opportunity, they’ll need to start fast and that’s something Marco Silva’s side have done well recently.

They’ve found the net at least twice in the opening 45 minutes in each of their last three Premier League matches, most notably in their trip to Anfield.

Regardless of how you interpret the situation, however, nothing changes the fact Newcastle are incredibly hard to beat at home, and Fulham are winless in seven away games.

It does increase the likelihood of a sixth game in seven without a clean sheet for the hosts, so we can at least take advantage of the goals market.

There’s also the small matter of Kieran Trippier’s suspension. Newcastle’s metronome of a right-back has created 10 big chances in the Premier League, second only to Mo Salah.

He has also completed more passes than anyone else in black-and-white stripes. He needs a rest, but his absence leaves a hole to fill.

Despite all of the factors against them, including their shrinking bench, there’s more than enough quality on the pitch to score goals against Fulham’s leaky defence.

Team news

Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Matt Targett, Javier Manquillo, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes have been ruled out and Anthony Gordon is a doubt.

Sandro Tonali is serving a long-term suspension while Kieran Tripper will miss out due to yellow card accumulation.

Fulham will monitor the fitness of Adama Traore and Issa Diop in the coming days, but Willian has already been ruled out.

Key stats

- Newcastle are averaging 2.11 goals per game at home in the Premier League
- Fulham have scored 17 goals in nine matches, eight of them in the first half
- Fulham have conceded 17 goals away from home in the Premier League

Suggested bets

Both teams to score in the first half

Both teams to score

Over 2.5 goals