Fulham vs Newcastle United
A heatwave is about to hit the UK, great news for us Brits who are used to wrapping up for chilly weather in May and, when Premier League: Fulham vs Newcastle kicks off at Craven Cottage on Sunday the temperature could top 30C.
It will be warm enough for the 27,000 fans who will pack into the Fulham ground, and they may be excused for casting an eye across to the cool River Thames. But have a thought for the 22 players who will be asked to run approximately 10k each with lung bursting sprints thrown in. Both teams will give their all but, other than climbing up a place or two there is little for Fulham and Newcastle to play for.
13th and 11th in the Premier League table, locked on 49 points and three behind Cheslea in eighth and with inferior goal differences, neither club is mathematically out of a place in Europe but it would take a freak set of results involving six teams and a huge goal swing in favour of the Cottagers or Magpies.
Many of the players on show will be off to the World Cup within a couple of weeks, but they have a chance to give their fans a good send off, while the two managers are set for a busy summer.
Talking Points
Is Silva Benfica bound?
All the talk around Craven Cottage is the future of manager Marco Silva, as his contract is about to expire and, while the Fulham board has put a good offer on the table for the Portuguese boss, he is yet to indicate he is happy to stay and in today’s edition of Portugal news outlet La Bola, the headline reads: “No Amorin, Marco on track.”
Back in Silva’s homeland Benfica have had a decent campaign, finishing third but rumours are circulating that manager Jose Mourinho may be heading back to Real Madrid. With the Special One seemingly on his way, ex Manchester United manager Ruben Amorin has been linked with the job, but Silva has now emerged as the favourite. He has been at Fulham since 2021, the five seasons have been largely successful, and it is the 48 year old’s longest stint at any club.
But his time may have come, and results over the past few weeks have done little to suggest Silva’s future lies in West London. After losing away to Arsenal and then at home to Bournemouth, Fulham were looking for some relief when they met Wolverhampton Wanderers last week; but they didn’t really get it against the bottom club, a goal from Antonee Robinson salvaging a 1-1 draw.
Howe targets a fast finish
The Magpies have endured a difficult campaign too and manager Eddie Howe has been under the spotlight. The young English coach delivered Champions League football last term with a fifth placed finish, but he has struggled to break into the leading pack this term. Newcastle have picked up seven points from their last three games, in impressive style, beating high flying Brighton and Hove Albion, drawing away to in-form Nottingham Forest and last week, Will Osula scored a brace as the Magpies beat West Ham United.
“I think we’ve seen real progression in the last few weeks,” beamed Howe. “A much better performance. We’re showing signs we’re beginning to re-find our form.”
Howe looks likely to continue as the Magpies manager. He has been asked to cope without the departed Alexander Isak while star winger Anthony Gordon has been injured, and started the last game on the bench as speculation over his future is rife.
He will need to recruit again in the summer but, for now, Howe is targeting a four match unbeaten run to close off the campaign.
History
The head-to-head Fulham vs Newcastle results are in the Magpies’ favour, but not by much. The margin is 18 victories to 16, whereas in West London the tally is 11 to eight in favour of the Cottagers.
Newcastle have beaten Fulham twice this season, both times at St James’ Park, once in the league and once in the Carabao Cup and both times by a 2-1 score line. Last season Fulham won the game at the Cottage by 3-1 as Emile Smith-Rowe scored a double.
With one win, two draws and two losses from their last five, and two wins, one draw and two losses, Fulham and Newcastle are mid table teams, and the pre-match Fulham vs Newcastle betting odds say we’re in for a close, if not hard fought, game.
Betting Tip
Fulham are at SBOTOP odds of 2.88 to win this clash with Newcastle at 2.25 and the draw is at 3.60. If anything, the Magpies have some decent momentum while the Cottagers season has fizzled out in recent weeks. But the hosts will be keen to give their fans a happy afternoon in the sun so I’m going to stay cool by sitting on the fence!
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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