Predicted Newcastle XI to face Fulham… £13m man returns, but 22-year-old is benched

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After their Champions League heartache, all Newcastle United can do is go again on Saturday against Fulham.

European football is over this season for Newcastle United, who must now focus on their domestic duties.

Their first job is stopping the rot, after losing twice on the road in the Premier League to Everton and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.

Next up for the Magpies is Fulham, who have hit a purple patch. They have won their previous two games 5-0, with Marco Silva’s side full of goals ahead of their visit to St James’ Park.

After the AC Milan defeat, this is suddenly an even bigger game for Newcastle United, and this is the starting XI we believe Eddie Howe will pick to take on Fulham

Dan Burn replaces Kieran Trippier in defence vs Fulham

There will definitely be one change to the Newcastle United starting lineup, with Kieran Trippier suspended.

That means that the Toon defence will be tweaked, and it will likely result in Dan Burn walking back into Howe’s XI.

The £13million defender has been out of action with a back injury, but made his comeback during the Champions League defeat to AC Milan.

Trippier’s suspension will give Burn an immediate route back into the team, while it will also result in Tino Livramento moving over to the right – which is his preferred position.

Anthony Gordon only fit enough for the bench

We are anticipating a second change to the Newcastle team, with Anthony Gordon also seemingly struggling for fitness.

The 22-year-old was excellent against AC Milan, before being forced off with a hamstring problem.

While it might not be anything major, it feels likely that he will only be fit enough for the bench at best on Saturday.

If that is the case, Newcastle’s injury crisis will come into focus once again. It would probably mean Sean Longstaff coming back into the side, and Joelinton playing in a more advanced role on the left of attack. He should be full of confidence after his brilliant goal on Wednesday night.

Callum Wilson up front for Newcastle

Newcastle finally have two fit strikers again, but one of them is not 100%.

That is what Howe said about Alexander Isak following his cameo against AC Milan, where it was clear that he was not fully fit. He didn’t seem to be able to properly sprint, which was a massive hindrance as we chased a goal that never came.

With Isak not quite right, it should mean Callum Wilson starts his first Premier League game since the 1-0 win over Arsenal. He will hope to add to his tally of seven goals so far this season, as he chases Isak at the top of the Toon scoring charts.

Predicted XI vs Fulham: Dubravka; Livramento, Lascelles, Schar, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Miley; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.