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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5. CB: Dan Burn
Why? Because Burn’s the captain and in tough moments like this, Jaissle is bound to lean on the 34-year-old. | Getty Images
6. LB: Lewis Hall
A class player, we know that, but even Hall hasn’t looked his best of late. Are his performances being dragged down by his teammates? | Getty Images
7. CM: Nico Gonzalez
So cool and calm when on the ball, but he needs help from others. That takes us onto our next change… | Getty Images
8. CM: Sean Steur (in for Joelinton)
The change every Newcastle supporter has been crying out for. It’s a travesty he hasn’t started a game this side of the international break. | Getty Images