Few people had Newcastle as top-four contenders for the new Premier League season after a quiet transfer window but they've made an impressive start and sit third heading into this clash with Fulham.
The big Saudi project looked set for lift-off after Eddie Howe sealed a Champions League spot two seasons ago but the Magpies found fighting on two fronts a tough prospect last term amid mounting injury problems.
Newcastle could only finish seventh but missing out on European football could actually help them in the new Premier League campaign as they have a much less congested fixture list.
Profit and sustainability rules stopped them from splashing the cash this summer but Howe still has an impressive first XI and they have momentum heading to Craven Cottage.
Fulham will provide a stiff test, though, with Marco Silva's men unbeaten in the league since an unlucky loss at Manchester United on day one that brought up a couple of bets for Slips Tips.
They suffered a shock EFL Cup loss on penalties to Championship side Preston in midweek but if they hit top form the Cottagers are more than capable of inflicting Newcastle's first defeat of the season.
How the bookies view it: Magpies to keep flying high
This is a 50/50 match for me but Betfred make Newcastle their 13/10 favourites, with Fulham at 15/8. A draw wouldn't be a big surprise and that's priced at 12/5.
Recent head to head: Game's a bogey for Fulham
Newcastle have been a bogey team for Fulham in recent years, with the Cottagers going nine games without a win in this fixture. Seven of those matches have ended in wins for the Magpies, including all three clashes in league and cup last term.
Players to watch: Emile out to impress
Fulham's record signing Emile Smith Rowe has made a decent start since his big move for Arsenal and got off the mark in the win over Leicester. The playmaker is 18/5 to grab his second goal in Fulham colours.
Harvey Barnes came off the bench to score Newcastle's winner last time out against Wolves and could be unleashed from the start. The former Leicester winger looks good at 3/1 for anytime scorer here.
Probable teams
Newcastle star Alexander Isak was taken off at half-time against Wolves but it was an eye problem so I'd imagine the Swede will be fit to lead the line here. Callum Wilson still remains out for the Magpies.
Brazilian striker Carlos Vinicius is a doubt for Fulham while Raul Jimenez should keep his place up front after scoring against West Ham.
Fulham: Leno, Tete, Bassey, Andersen, Robinson, Traore, Iwobi, Pereira, Berge, Smith Rowe, Jimenez
Newcastle: Pope, Schar, Hall, Livramento, Burn, Joelinton, Tonali, B Guimaraes, Gordon, Isak, Barnes.
Anything else catch the eye?
Fulham's four league games so far have all been tight, ending in either draws or one-goal winning margins. This match should continue that trend as the teams are pretty well matched. The half-time draw has come up in three of Fulham's four games so far and looks good here at 13/10 with Betfred.
These sides faced off twice at Craven Cottage last term and both games produced heaps of corners, with 17 in Newcastle's 1-0 league win and a further 15 in their 2-0 FA Cup victory. So over 11 corners looks decent value here at 11/8 with Bet365, who also price over five first-half flag kicks at 5/4.
The Magpies have collected more cards than Fulham's so far this season, with one red and 13 yellows compared to 12 bookings for the Cottagers. So there could be a bit of value in backing Newcastle for most booking points at 6/4 with Betfred.
This English Premier League match between Fulham and Newcastle will be played on Sep 21, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Fulham vs Newcastle prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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