Alan Shearer believes Newcastle United can continue their unbeaten start to the Premier League season on Saturday.
The Magpies face Fulham at Craven Cottage, and will go top of the Premier League with a win. However, Eddie Howe might be without one of his most important players.
Alexander Isak is a doubt to face Fulham with a toe injury, and his absence could result in Anthony Gordon operating as a striker.
That would be a shame, as it would rob Eddie Howe of the opportunity to deploy his best front three.
Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Fulham, Alan Shearer called on Howe to get Harvey Barnes in the starting lineup. To accommodate the 26-year-old, Gordon would have to play on the right with Isak through the middle.
However, Isak’s fitness issue might stop that dream from becoming a reality.
Alan Shearer makes Fulham vs Newcastle prediction
Even if Barnes does start for Newcastle after his stunning winner against Wolves, Alan Shearer is unsure if the Magpies will be able to pick up all three points from their visit to Craven Cottage.
He has predicted this weekend’s Premier League games for the Metro, and has given his verdict on Newcastle United’s clash with Fulham.
“This will be a tough game for Newcastle,” he said.
“We’ll see if Eddie decides to bring Harvey Barnes in from the start which would be exciting to watch as a front three with Gordon and Isak, but Fulham are decent and up front, they do have some quality now.
“I’ll go for a draw.”
Newcastle might have to rely on a makeshift front three against Fulham
Shearer obviously wants to see Isak play alongside Barnes and Gordon. And there is still hope of that trio lining up against Fulham, as Isak has not been ruled out. However, he is a doubt.
If he does not feature, Howe will have to put out a makeshift forward line – unless he shocks everyone by handing Will Osula his Newcastle United debut.
The 21-year-old has not appeared for the Magpies since joining from Sheffield United, but is available for this weekend’s game. However, it would be a surprise to see him thrust into the starting lineup.
The most likely outcome is that Gordon operates as a striker, with Barnes and Jacob Murphy either side of him. That is a front three that has never started together for Newcastle United, but we did briefly see them use that trio during the second half at Wolves on Sunday.
Regardless, it is going to be a very tough game if Isak is not involved. Shearer thinks it will be tough no matter what, and I am sure a lot of Toon fans would take a point if Isak is ruled out.
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