'We want to finish above Newcastle United' - Fulham send direct message before Premier League decider
Newcastle United travel to Fulham this afternoon on the final day of the Premier League season.
Marco Silva has challenged his Fulham players to finish above Newcastle United this weekend.
As it stands, the two clubs are tied on 49 points ahead of the Premier League finale. The Magpies bowed out with wins at Craven Cottage in 2019 and 2021.
Ultimately, the game is a dead rubber, with neither side able to qualify for Europe or suffer relegation. But top-flight pride is at stake and Newcastle will be aiming to end a disappointing season on a high.
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Marco Silva battle cry
At his pre-match press conference, Fulham boss Silva rued missing out on Europe but tasked his players to secure a top-10 finish. He told reporters: “Newcastle have the same points as us, they are above us because of the goal difference. First one is to try to finish above them.
“If we win the game, we are going to be above them. We don’t control the other results, but it’s a chance for us to finish in the top half of the table. It’s always a target for us, another motivation for us, and should be a motivation, because it’s not something that the club gets often.
“We did it in the first Premier League season, but it’s not something that is usual and the club gets often. Let’s go to fight for it, and of course all the other things. Another three points, many things are there, players to show pride, it’s the last game but we have to put our maximum there.
“If we can perform in the way most of the games we perform at home, even better, because the fans deserve it. Give something back to them. Many things are still there, even if that cherry on the top of the cake about European competitions, they are not going to be there no more. (There are) many things still there for us to fight for.”
Eddie Howe on Fulham
Eddie Howe also vowed to try and end Newcastle’s campaign positively. Ahead of the trip to West London, the Magpies can finish no higher than eighth.
"We hope to continue the upturn in our recent performances, upturn in our in-possession play, we want to end the season high, it is an important match for us,” Howe said. “It was great to win our last home game. That left us all with a great feeling. We want to end the season on a real high."
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