Preview: Fulham vs. Newcastle United - prediction, team news, lineups

Fulham play host to Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon looking to end the Premier League campaign in 18th position in the standings.

While the Magpies can still drop down to 17th spot, the visitors will feel that 12th place is within their reach if they can prevail at Craven Cottage.

Match preview

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When Newcastle went into the March international break on the back of a 3-0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion, it felt like Steve Bruce was on the brink of being sacked as manager.

However, his side have come through a difficult run of fixtures with 14 points from eight matches, a return which should theoretically ease any pressure on the Magpies boss.

Although sections of the St James' Park crowd voiced their displeasure earlier this week, the majority of supporters will acknowledge that Bruce deserves to begin a third campaign at his boyhood club.

Newcastle would be in an entirely different position had it not been for the contribution of Joe Willock, the Arsenal loanee having now scored in six successive games.

Mikel Arteta has already stated that the midfielder will feature in his squad next season, potentially leaving Bruce to consider his options at the weekend as he looks to move Newcastle into a respectable 12th position.

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A few weeks ago, this fixture was regarded as a potential relegation decider, but Scott Parker will end the campaign with these two clubs going in opposite directions.

Despite claiming points from many of the top teams this season, it is defeats in games such as this one which have booked Fulham's ticket back to the Championship.

Although positives will be taken from the 1-1 draw at Manchester United in midweek, the Cottagers will inevitably see players come and go during the summer.

Parker will still have interest in ending the campaign in 18th position with the club being able to benefit from the extra prize money for finishing ahead of West Bromwich Albion.

Nevertheless, the blooding of Fabio Carvalho shows that Parker has one eye on next season, leaving open the possibility of other youngsters featuring on Sunday.

Team News

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Willock, Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton all sustained knocks in midweek, something which could lead to several changes to the Newcastle side.

Sean Longstaff, Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll are all on standby, as is deputy goalkeeper Mark Gillespie after Martin Dubravka also picked up an issue during the closing stages against Sheffield United.

With Harrison Reed being forced off through injury against Man United, Joachim Andersen could be restored to the Fulham starting lineup.

Mario Lemina may move back into midfield, while there could be changes elsewhere with goalkeeper Marek Rodak potentially being given a run out between the sticks.

Thinking ahead to next season, Parker may also hand a starting role to midfielder Josh Onomah.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Adarabioyo, Andersen, Ream; Aina, Lemina, Anguissa, Bryan; Onomah, Lookman; Cavaleiro

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Gillespie; Schar, Clark, Dummett; Murphy, Longstaff, Shelvey, Almiron, Ritchie; Gayle, Carroll

We say: Fulham 1-2 Newcastle United

Already thinking ahead to next season, Parker may show preference to blooding a couple of prospects over finishing the game on top. With that in mind, we feel that Newcastle could capitalise to prevail by the odd goal in three.

Video prediction

Watch the Sports Mole Football Shorts prediction for this game below: