Before The Whistle: Newcastle United v Fulham
Written by
Drew Heatley
on
31st January 2025
We make the long trip up to Newcastle on Saturday a little deflated after our loss to Manchester United at the Cottage.
The result left many Fulham fans wondering where our season might go from here. We’re securely mid-table, which is great when you consider the turbulence of the last decade, but with the squad and manager we have, you’d be forgiven for hoping – if not expecting – a bit more.
Nevertheless, we are where we are. The European places are starting to look a little out of reach, but there are still many chances to bloody a few noses – starting with the Magpies.
A quirk of the fixture list means we haven’t faced Newcastle away since 2023 (even if it was in December) – the infamous Raul’s arse red card. We’ve not won at St James’ Park since a fresh-faced Ryan Sessegnon put them to the sword in 2017. He’s unlikely to start on Saturday, but we could do worse than letting him take to the field at some point, perhaps further up the pitch.
Not least because we’re looking extremely light on wingers after the news that Harry Wilson has a stress fracture that will require surgery and take him out for at least 10 weeks.
Marco Silva says we’re in the market for a replacement, as well as a right-back amid Kenny Tete’s continuing absence. Any arrival, if they come, will be too late for this one, but with the window slamming shut on Monday, they could well be in place in time for Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round.
A win against Newcastle – no matter how fanciful, Newcastle are the form team in the Premier League – would close the gap on the Magpies to just five points. That might start chatter of Europe once more. That is the delicate balance of mid-table life in the Premier League. Enjoy the highs, cope with the lows, but above all – support the lads. You Whites.
ℹ️ MATCH DETAILS
Kick-Off: Saturday, 3.00PM
Stadium: St. James’ Park
Competition: Premier League
TV Channel (UK): None
🚦 LEAGUE FORM
Newcastle: ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅
Fulham: ✅ ⬜ ⬜ ❌ ✅ ❌
⚖️ MATCH PROBABILITY
Newcastle: 55.3%
Draw: 23.1%
Fulham: 21.6%
🥊 MOST RECENT MATCHES
Sep 24: Fulham 3-1 Newcastle
Apr 24: Fulham 0-1 Newcastle
Jan 24: Fulham 0-2 Newcastle
Dec 23: Newcastle 3-0 Fulham
🎙 NEW PODCAST: Tyne and Weary
We wrap up the reaction to a drab Manchester United fixture and address the growing concerns about the running of Fulham Football Club.
📱 FULHAMISH ON WHATSAPP
Get line-ups, match updates and breaking Fulham news straight to your phone by signing up to the Fulhamish WhatsApp channel.
