Newcastle vs Fulham: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 22nd December 2018

England Premier League
Saturday 22nd December 2018
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: St. James' Park

Match Preview:

Newcastle ended 3 games without a win when they beat Huddersfield away from home last weekend. Whilst the club are in 14^th place they are starting to lose touch with mid table, with Brighton next up from them and five points clear.

Relegation still remains a threat for the Magpies who need to kick on, and this is one of the games where manager Rafa Benitez will be expecting three points. However, his team have been woeful at home this season, winning just 2 games from 9 and come back to St James Park having lost their last two games here.

Fulham have been dealt harsh blows even if they have the magic and positivity of Claudio Ranieri in the dug out. Since winning his first game the club have gone 4 games without victory including 3 defeats. Ranieri can point to the fact that they had to play Chelsea and Manchester United in that time but even so there seems to be a black cloud right now surrounding the club.

The Cottagers are bottom of the league with just 9 points but may feel that their Christmas set of fixtures has been kind to them. After this long trip up to Newcastle they will enjoy back to back games at home against Wolves and Huddersfield.

Team News:

Newcastle: Karl Darlow is set to miss this match with an arm injury but could be back for Boxing Day. Jonjo Shelvey may also be sidelined but return for Boxing Day. Ciaran Clark is out with an ankle injury

Fulham: Maxime Le Marchand looks to have recovered from a knock and should be available to play. Ryan Sessegnon is 50/50 to make this game with a groin injury

Newcastle vs Fulham Head to Head:

The last time the teams met here in 2017 Fulham ran out 3-1 winners.

That game was Fulham’s first victory at St James Park since 2009.

4 of the last 5 games have ended with the correct score of 1-0.

Newcastle vs Fulham Prediction:

Which Newcastle side will turn up? Make no mistake the Magpies have the team at home to beat Fulham, who have looked a little disjointed in recent weeks, Ranieri clearly has a huge job on his hands. In midweek it was confirmed that Newcastle’s Christmas party had been cancelled. Whilst this may sound pathetic it seems like a stunt that owner Mike Ashley pulls every season, and hardly does anything positive to encourage the team. Fulham have nothing to lose and we are tempted therefore to back them on the double chance and get something from this game.

Newcastle vs Fulham Betting Tips:

Double Chance: Fulham or draw at 1.91

Under 2.5 goals at 1.80