Gameweek 5 promises a whole host of 3 pm kick-offs, one of which being Fulham vs Newcastle as the Magpies look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Newcastle began the season with a win over Southampton with ten men, then earned a point away at Bournemouth. The Magpies then got the better of Spurs at home, before most recently coming from behind against Wolves to get all three points.
That leaves Newcastle third in the table, on 10 points, behind Arsenal and Manchester City. This is Newcastle's best start to a season in twenty-nine years.
Fulham on the other hand have only lost one of their opening four, after being narrowly beat in game week one at Old Trafford. The Cottagers then beat newly promoted Leicester before drawing with Ipswich and West Ham. This leaves Fulham twelfth in the table on five points, but there are plenty of positives for Marco Silva to take.
Newcastle have won the last four meetings against Fulham with three of those coming last season, winning away in the FA Cup and the Premier League as well as winning 3-0 at home after Raul Jimenez was sent off. Newcastle kept a clean sheet in all three of the games which Marco Silva will certainly be aware of.
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Team News
Fulham
The only injury concern for the home side is striker Vinicius, who is not set to return until next month, after a calf injury.
In their previous fixture, Marco Silva made eleven changes to his side, who took on Preston in the cup. A game which made headlines after 34 penalties were taken, with Preston winning 16-15. However, Silva is expected to revert back to his side that faced West Ham last time out in the Premier League.
Newcastle
Eddie Howe’s men, on the other hand, have a few more injury woes to worry about. In their recent game, against Wolves, Alexander Isak was forced off at half time due to an eye injury.
However, his injury worries have got worse with a reported toe injury in training, leaving him as a doubt for the trip to Craven Cottage.
Howe will also be without, Callum Wilson who is still out with a hamstring injury as well as the long-term absentees Jamal Lascelles and Sven Botman.
Likely lineups
Fulham: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez.
Newcastle: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Barnes.
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Key players
Fulham: Emile Smith Rowe
Fulham's man to watch is midfielder, Emile Smith Rowe, with his recent move from Arsenal, the former Gooner has hit the ground running with a goal and an assist in the opening four.
Smith Rowe has also been a huge part of the transition for Fulham, carrying the ball forward in counterattacks and beating players down the line.
However, the midfielder will have a tough task ahead of him, facing a likely midfield of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, all of whom play for their respective international sides.
Newcastle: Anthony Gordon
Newcastle’s danger man is Anthony Gordon who although only has one goal so far this season, had a huge part of Newcastle’s attack last season with 11 goals and 10 assists.
The England international could be forced to play through the middle as a striker, in the absence of Alexander Isak so may have to be the provider for Newcastle a position he has played before.
With his lightning pace and composure in front of goal, Gordon could pose a huge threat to the Fulham defence. However, facing up against a centre-back pairing of Joachim Anderson and Calvin Bassey will pose a physical challenge to the Newcastle man.
Where is the game being played?
The match is taking place at Fulham's home ground, Craven Cottage.
What time is kick-off?
The game will begin at 3 PM in the UK.
How can I watch?
The game is not being broadcast in the UK but is available worldwide on different platforms and channels.
