After a lopsided loss vs. Leeds United, Newcastle United aim to right the ship when they host Fulham tomorrow.
Newcastle United won’t have much time to dwell on their midweek loss to Leeds United. Tomorrow, they are back in action as they are set to face Fulham at St. James’ Park.
Player to Watch
Newcastle United: Jonjo Shelvey
He got a rest vs. Leeds United, but the star midfielder should be penciled into the lineup tomorrow. Shelvey’s skillset is important, but he also brings an intensity that Newcastle United lacked on Wednesday. Against Fulham, Shelvey will need to set the tone and tempo early and get Newcastle playing on the front foot.
Fulham: Alphonse Areola
The PSG loanee has played well in goal for Fulham lately, picking up his second clean sheet of the season in the midweek draw vs. Brighton after only conceding a penalty vs. Liverpool. He has zero errors leading to goals this season and could frustrate Newcastle if he makes some big saves early.
NUFC Availability Update
Steve Bruce indicated there are no new injury issues, but there are four or five players still missing due to illness. He added that one or two are especially finding it tough to get back into action.
Newcastle United will win if…
They don’t lose focus. Sounds simple, right? But, one of the issues that’s plagued Newcastle this season is when they aren’t locked in for portions of the match and lose control of the match or concede goals. Against West Brom, after a hot start, they let their foot off the gas and the Baggies established themselves as the better side. Look at the match vs. Leeds after Ciaran Clark’s equalizer…three conceded goals in less than a half-hour? To get the win vs. Fulham, who is playing better recently, the Magpies must remain locked in for the full 90+ minutes.