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Match Preview
Premier
League: Newcastle United vs Fulham
Kickoff
Time: 2023-12-16 23:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/LEE
SMITH
Newcastle
United, the new tycoon in the Premier League, are experiencing a decline in
competitiveness due to a significant increase in injuries. In their final match
of the Champions League group stage, they suffered a 1-2 defeat at home against
AC Milan, resulting in their elimination from the competition. Since their
impressive 4-1 victory over Chelsea on November 25, Eddie Howe’s team had
maintained a consistent starting lineup, with only the goalkeeper being
changed. However, the continuous string of matches has taken a toll on the
players, leading to fatigue and an increase in mistakes. In the recent midweek
game, they made a total of 13 turnovers. The absence of Sven Botman, the key
defender who got injured, has made Newcastle’s flanks vulnerable, becoming a
prime target for opponents. Let’s examine Newcastle’s defensive stats: they
average only 6.3 interceptions per game, placing them second from the bottom in
the league, and they average only 15.9 clearances per game, ranking 16th in the
league.
Fulham
have experienced a strong resurgence lately, earning nine points in their last
four games and scoring an impressive 16 goals during this period. Their
offensive prowess is indeed formidable. On average, they score a goal every
22.5 minutes, excluding stoppage time. The goal distribution showcases their
diversity, with 16 goals being scored by nine different players. This dispersed
offensive power poses a challenge for opponents in terms of defensive
strategies. From a skill and tactical perspective, Fulham place a strong emphasis
on off-the-ball movement. They excel in intercepting the ball, averaging 11.3
interceptions per game, which places them at the top of the league in this
statistic. A key player in Fulham’s midfield engine is Joao Palhinha, who
became the first player to reach 50 successful steals in the European League
this season. In a recent league match against West Ham United, Palhinha
contributed eight steals. Once he successfully intercepts the ball, Palhinha
quickly distributes it to the wing, utilizing the speed and breakthrough
abilities of the wide players to create threats against the opposition.
Exploiting the weaknesses in wing defense is an area where Newcastle struggles.
Newcastle
United are currently dealing with a challenging schedule, having played seven games
in the span of 22 days. The continuous pressure on their key players has pushed
them to their limits, operating at full capacity. As they face Fulham, who
possess strong tactical skills, Newcastle may find it difficult to achieve a
positive outcome, even when playing at home. Given Fulham’s strengths, it is
reasonable to be optimistic about their chances of securing points in this away
game.
Newcastle
United’s Last 5 Games: LLLWD
23-12-14
Newcastle United 1-2 AC Milan
23-12-11
Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 Newcastle United
23-12-08
Everton 3-0 Newcastle United
23-12-03
Newcastle United 1-0 Manchester United
23-11-29
Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Newcastle United
Fulham’s
Last 5 Games: WWLWL
23-12-10
Fulham 5-0 West Ham United
23-12-07
Fulham 5-0 Nottingham Forest
23-12-03
Liverpool 4-3 Fulham
23-11-28
Fulham 3-2 Wolves
23-11-12
Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham
Head
To Head Record:
23-01-15
Newcastle United 1-0 Fulham
22-10-01
Fulham 1-4 Newcastle United
21-05-23
Fulham 0-2 Newcastle United
20-12-20
Newcastle United 1-1 Fulham
19-05-12
Fulham 0-4 Newcastle United
Prediction: Fulham to win or Draw