Newcastle United finally return to Premier League action against Fulham after a week of cup highs and lows.
It started with the Magpies being dumped out of the FA Cup by League One side Sheffield Wednesday, but it ends with Eddie Howe’s side reaching the semi final of the Carabao Cup.
United are now just two games away from Wembley, which would be a dream come true for Toon fans during an amazing season. But now attention turns back to the league, where Newcastle continue to compete for a place in the Champions League.
The Magpies face an in-form Fulham side at St James’ Park at 2pm on Sunday, and this is our predicted starting lineup
Dan Burn faces former club Fulham
Howe went with a full strength team on Tuesday against Leicester, and it resulted in Newcastle keeping another clean sheet.
It was made possible by the Magpies’ trusty back five – including the goalscorer Dan Burn. It was an incredible night for the 30-year-old, who scored his first goal for his boyhood club, and celebrated it with an incredible dressing room dance that he is now regretting.
But Burn will get back to football on Sunday afternoon, as he prepares to face his former side Fulham. The defender spent five years with the Cottagers, and will be hoping for victory against his ex-employers.
He will be joined in defence by the usual suspects, including Sven Botman who celebrated his 23rd birthday this week.
Blonde Bruno is back for Newcastle
Newcastle’s midfield three performed brilliantly against Leicester, much like it has done ever since domestic football returned after the World Cup.
The Magpies have great balance with Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes, all of which are enjoying rich veins of form.
Bruno has been particularly brilliant, and won the player of the match award for his performance during the week.
He will certainly start on Sunday, where he will debut a new look. The blonde hair is back, and he will hope it inspires him to greatness like the last time he did it. The 5-1 win over Brentford in October was Bruno’s first game after he went blonde previously, in a game where he scored two goals.
Joelinton not included in our predicted Newcastle lineup
Howe has one major decision to make on Sunday involving Joelinton.
The Brazilian has been charged with drink-driving, and will appear in court later this month. Howe addressed the incident in his pre-match press conference, and admitted that he had not decided whether or not Joelinton will be in the team to face Fulham.
We anticipate the 26-year-old will drop out of the starting XI to be replaced by Allan Saint-Maximin. Other options include Alexander Isak, who might not be deemed fit enough to start a Premier League game, and Jacob Murphy, who would be the safe option for Howe.
Predicted XI vs Fulham: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
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