Eddie Howe will be tempted to make multiple changes to his Newcastle United team against Fulham on Saturday.
The Magpies are still unbeaten in the Premier League after their win over Wolves, and can go top of the table if they pick up another victory against Fulham.
Craven Cottage is a ground that Newcastle United have done well at in recent years, winning on their last five visits. That is a good omen for Eddie Howe, who will be tempted to tweak the starting XI that kicked off the game against Wolves.
Newcastle had to rely on their bench at Molineux, with all five of the Magpies’ subs making a difference.
It has given Eddie Howe a lot of food for thought, and this is Geordie Boot Boys‘ predicted Newcastle United starting XI to face Fulham.
Kieran Trippier left on the bench again for Newcastle
Kieran Trippier did very well off the bench against Wolves. He helped change the game, as Newcastle came from behind to win 2-1.
It was a reminder of Trippier’s importance, having failed to start any of Newcastle’s Premier League games so far.
There will be a temptation to change that on Saturday, but we are predicting that Eddie Howe will stick with Tino Livramento at right-back.
However, Howe might be tempted to make a change on the opposite side, with Lloyd Kelly coming in for Lewis Hall to handle the threat of Fulham winger Adama Traore.
Sandro Tonali’s first Premier League start since October
The last time Sandro Tonali started a Premier League game was October 8th 2023. On that day, Newcastle drew 2-2 away to West Ham United.
That will hopefully change on Saturday, with the 24-year-old predicted to come into the Toon midfield in place of Sean Longstaff.
Tonali made a big difference against Wolves, and it is clear that he now needs to be a starter for the Magpies.
Geordie Boot Boys predict that Tonali will be joined in the middle by Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. That is despite the fact that Joelinton is under pressure due to Joe Willock’s performance against Wolves.
But with the £25million man only just returning from injury, we anticipate that Howe will hold off on starting him at Craven Cottage, which should give Joelinton a chance to redeem himself after a disappointing start to the season.
Enforced changes in attack for Newcastle
Ahead of the game against Fulham, Alan Shearer said Newcastle’s best front three is Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
The hope was that we would see that trio at Craven Cottage, but that might not be the case.
Alexander Isak is an injury doubt for Saturday, with the striker suffering from a toe problem.
Newcastle will make a late call regarding Isak, but it feels likely that he will not start at Craven Cottage. If that proves to be the case then Gordon will have to operate as a striker, with Barnes and Jacob Murphy either side of him.
Predicted XI to face Fulham: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Kelly; Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Barnes.
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