Injuries, injuries, injuries. It’s been the buzzword of Newcastle United’s season and unfortunately, that won’t change any time soon.
Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe will be without 11 senior players (yes, that’s right!) for the Premier League trip to Fulham this afternoon, severely impacting his options both in the starting XI and the subs on the bench.
Since experiencing the thrill of coming from 3-1 down to beat West Ham United 4-3 last weekend, Howe has lost Jamaal Lascelles (ACL), Tino Livramento (twisted ankle) and Miguel Almiron (knee) to injury, while Kieran Trippier has been sidelined for longer than first anticipated.
The good news, however, is Newcastle will welcome back Anthony Gordon for the visit to West London. The newly acclaimed England international missed Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against former club Everton after serving a one-match ban for the two yellow cards he received against the Hammers.
But asides from that, it’s as you were for Howe’s patched up squad, who have set their sights on securing European qualification. And certainly, a win at Craven Cottage will significantly boost those hopes.
"I think four points from two games is a decent return - we wanted six, we got four,” said Howe. “Now Fulham's a very difficult game in isolation. They're very good at Craven Cottage, their record this year is very strong. I think that point looks different if you're able to win your next game, so that's what we're aiming to do."
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up against Marco Silva’s side:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian has kept just three Premier League clean sheets since coming in for the injured Nick Pope at the beginning of December.
2. RB: Emil Krafth
With Kieran Trippier ruled out and Tino Livramento sidelined for a month, Krafth will continue at right-back.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
In a season dominated by injuries, Schar is the only Newcastle player to have started every Premier League game so far.
4. CB: Dan Burn
Burn’s return to the heart of the defence has brought out the best in the Blyth defender. Was the Magpies’ best performer against Everton in midweek.