Newcastle United travel to Fulham in the Premier League looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats to Everton.
The Magpies lost 3-1 away to the Toffees in the Carabao Cup last 16 last week before losing 1-0 at St James’ Park in the Premier League on Monday night.
United boss Matthias Jaissle has already come under intense scrutiny, despite only being in the job for three months.
Jaissle’s side are 13th in the Premier League table, four points above the relegation zone. Fulham, two points and two places behind Newcastle, will leapfrog their visitors with a victory and inflict further concern heading into the two-week international break.
Newcastle are expected to be without vice-captain Joelinton after he sustained a muscle problem in the defeat to Everton last time out, however £51million summer signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo is in line to return after three games out due to illness.
Joelinton’s absence will force a change in midfield, with supporters calling out for Sean Steur to start his first game since the win against Hull City in September.
Here’s how Newcastle are predicted to line-up at Craven Cottage:
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1. Newcastle United predicted XI v Fulham
AFP via Getty Images
2. GK: Lukas Hornicek
Mistakes have started to creep into his game since the last international break, with the penalty conceded at Coventry and his error against Everton on Monday night raising some concerns. | Getty Images
3. RB: Amar Dedic
You’ll have seen the stories this week no doubt, but it is nothing that is expected to rule the Bosnian out of the trip to Craven Cottage.
4. CB: Malick Thiaw (in for Fabian Schar)
Schar hasn’t done an awful lot wrong to be honest, but it feels like there could be a change in the defence this weekend and he’d be the obvious one to make way. | Getty Images