Marco Silva’s Fulham are the visitors to Tyneside on Sunday, aiming to secure their first Premier League win against Newcastle in almost nine years. Fulham have been boosted by the news Aleksandar Mitrovic is getting closer to full fitness ahead of a reunion with his former employers.
With both the north London derby and Manchester derby taking place this weekend, Newcastle know a win could be vital in helping to create a gap between themselves and the teams below them.
But what side will Eddie Howe pick to face the Cottagers? Will he stick with the starting XI that secured victory over Leicester City or will he opt to rotate a few of his key players?
Here, we take a look at the starting XI Howe could pick to face Fulham on Sunday.
. NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 10: Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe reacts on the sidelines during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St James' Park on January 10, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Is this the Newcastle United side Eddie Howe will pick to start against Fulham? (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
. GK: Nick Pope
Pope has kept seven clean sheets in a row and has not conceded a goal since Southampton’s late consolation goal back in November. No-one has found a way past Pope at St James’s Park since Ivan Toney during Brentford’s 5-1 defeat to the Magpies in October. Photo: George Wood
. RB: Kieran Trippier
Trippier briefly went down injured during the clash with Leicester, but was fit enough to continue the rest of the match, much to the delight of 50,000 supporters in the stadium. When fit, Trippier is a guaranteed starter. Photo: George Wood
5. LB: Dan Burn
Burn opened his Newcastle United account in midweek and is responsible for many supporters being unable to shake an earworm ever since the ball nestled into the Gallowgate net. Photo: Stu Forster
6. CM: Sean Longstaff
Longstaff was very good on Tuesday night with his performances often going under-the-radar alongside Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton et al. Photo: Stu Forster
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
For the first time this season, Tuesday offered supporters the chance to see Bruno in the middle, Botman at the back and Isak in attack for the first time. The Brazilian was named as Player of the Match for yet another imperious midfield display. Photo: George Wood
8. CM: Joe Willock
Willock has operated as both a central midfielder and a winger in recent times and had one of his best games as a permanent Newcastle player last time out. Photo: George Wood