Newcastle United vs Fulham Lineups, Prediction, Team News, Injury, Preview, And Analysis

Newcastle United vs Fulham Prediction: Newcastle United will likely defeat Fulham 2-1 in the EFL Cup quarter-final at St James’ Park on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, as the defending champions possess home advantage and stronger cup form despite recent defensive injuries.

Match Overview

Detail	Information
Competition	EFL Cup Quarter-Final
Date	Wednesday, December 18, 2025
Venue	St James’ Park, Newcastle
Newcastle Form	W-D-W-D-L (Last 5 matches)
Fulham Form	W-L-L-W-W (Last 5 matches)
Newcastle League Position	12th in Premier League
Fulham League Position	13th in Premier League
Head-to-Head (Recent)	Newcastle won 2-1 (October 2025)

Key Facts

• Newcastle United defends their EFL Cup title after winning the 2024-25 final against Liverpool.
• The Magpies defeated Bradford City 4-1 and Tottenham 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals.
• Fulham progressed through three rounds, beating Bristol City 2-0, Cambridge United 1-0, and Wycombe Wanderers on penalties.
• Newcastle suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in their last Premier League match.
• Fulham arrives with momentum after a 3-2 victory over Burnley.
• Dan Burn sustained a broken rib and punctured lung against Sunderland, ruling him out for an extended period.
• Both teams sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table with 23 and 21 goals scored respectively
• Fulham has never won the League Cup in their history.
• Newcastle holds a 2-1 advantage in League Cup meetings with Fulham.
• Eddie Howe plans to field a strong lineup despite injury concerns.

Match Preview

Newcastle United hosts Fulham in a crucial EFL Cup quarter-final clash at St James’ Park. The defending champions face a stern test against a Fulham side hungry for their first-ever League Cup trophy.

Eddie Howe‘s team enters this match under pressure following their disappointing loss to rivals Sunderland, which left them 12th in the Premier League standings.

The Magpies have shown inconsistency throughout the 2025-26 campaign, collecting points sporadically despite possessing quality throughout their squad.

Their cup form, however, tells a different story. The comprehensive 4-1 victory over Bradford City and the solid 2-0 triumph against Tottenham demonstrate Newcastle’s ability to raise their performance level in knockout competitions.

Fulham manager Marco Silva faces his own challenges. His team sits just one point behind Newcastle in 13th place, having struggled for consistency in league play.

The London club’s cup journey required resilience, particularly in their penalty shootout victory over Wycombe Wanderers. Silva views this competition as a genuine opportunity to create history for the club.

Team Injuries and Availability

Newcastle United Injuries

Newcastle faces significant defensive concerns heading into this quarter-final.

Dan Burn suffered the most serious injury, sustaining a broken rib and punctured lung during the Sunderland match. The England international faces several weeks on the sidelines.

Nick Pope remains unavailable due to a muscle problem, forcing Aaron Ramsdale to continue between the posts.

Kieran Trippier battles a hamstring issue that keeps him out of contention.

Sven Botman continues his recovery from a back injury, while William Osula deals with an ankle problem.

These absences force Howe to shuffle his defensive setup. Fabian Schar and Malick Thiaw will likely form the central defensive partnership, with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall operating as full-backs.

The injury crisis could impact Newcastle’s defensive solidity, particularly against Fulham’s attacking threats.

Fulham Injuries

Fulham contends with their own injury list.

Rodrigo Muniz remains sidelined with a thigh injury, limiting Silva’s striking options. Ryan Sessegnon also misses out due to a thigh problem.

The Africa Cup of Nations further depletes Fulham’s squad, with Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi all away on international duty.

Despite these absences, Silva retains key players. Raul Jimenez leads the attack, supported by Harry Wilson, who has scored five goals this season.

The Portuguese manager plans to field a strong lineup, recognizing the importance of reaching the semi-finals.

Predicted Newcastle United vs Fulham Lineups and Formation

Newcastle United (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale

Defense: Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Malick Thiaw, Lewis Hall

Midfield: Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton

Attack: Jacob Murphy, Yoane Wissa, Harvey Barnes

Howe will deploy his preferred 4-3-3 formation. Bruno Guimaraes anchors the midfield, providing defensive cover and distribution.

New signing Yoane Wissa could make his full debut after substitute appearances against Burnley and Sunderland.

The Brazilian forward adds pace and directness to Newcastle’s attack.

Fulham (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno

Defense: Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, Timothy Castagne

Midfield: Sander Berge, Sasa Lukic

Attacking Midfield: Harry Wilson, Joshua King, Andreas Pereira

Forward: Raul Jimenez

Silva favors a 4-2-3-1 system that provides defensive stability while allowing attacking freedom.

Berge and Lukic form a solid double pivot, protecting the back four.

Wilson operates from the right, cutting inside to create scoring opportunities. Jimenez’s experience proves vital in leading the line.

Tactical Analysis

Newcastle’s approach centers on controlling possession through their midfield trio. Guimaraes dictates tempo, while Joelinton provides physicality and pressing intensity.

The full-backs push high, creating width and stretching opposition defenses. Without Burn’s aerial presence, Newcastle may struggle defending set pieces.

Fulham adopts a more pragmatic approach. They absorb pressure, then transition quickly through Wilson and King.

Jimenez holds up play effectively, bringing teammates into attacks.

The double pivot provides insurance against Newcastle’s counter-attacks. Silva’s team excels at exploiting spaces behind aggressive full-backs.

Key Players to Watch

Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle): The Brazilian midfielder controls Newcastle’s rhythm. His passing range, defensive awareness, and ability to break up opposition attacks make him indispensable. Guimaraes must dominate the midfield battle to give Newcastle control.

Harry Wilson (Fulham): The Welsh international leads Fulham’s scoring charts with five goals. His movement between lines causes defensive problems. Wilson’s ability to shoot from distance adds another dimension to Fulham’s attack.

Yoane Wissa (Newcastle): The new signing brings fresh energy to Newcastle’s forward line. His pace and direct running could exploit tired Fulham defenders. A strong performance would endear him to the St James’ Park faithful.

Raul Jimenez (Fulham): The experienced Mexican striker provides leadership and composure. His hold-up play allows Fulham to establish attacking positions. Jimenez’s three goals this season demonstrate his continued effectiveness.

Where to Watch Live?

Fans in India can watch the match on FanCode, which provides live streaming coverage.

In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on ITV 1, ITVX, STV Scotland, and Sky Sports Premier League.

Sky subscribers can access the game through Sky Go UK and NOW.

United States viewers can watch on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo.

Canadian fans should tune into DAZN Canada or fuboTV Canada.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Newcastle holds a slight advantage in recent League Cup encounters. The teams last met in this competition during the 1981 second round, where Fulham won 4-1 on aggregate.

In their only other League Cup meeting, Newcastle triumphed 2-1 in the 1974-75 last-16 stage.

Recent Premier League meetings favor Newcastle. They won 2-1 at St James’ Park in October 2025, continuing their home dominance.

In February 2025, Fulham secured a 2-1 victory. December 2023 saw Newcastle win convincingly 3-0. January 2023 produced a 1-0 Newcastle victory.

Overall, Newcastle has won three of the last five meetings, with Fulham claiming two victories. The home team typically holds the advantage in this fixture.

Statistical Comparison

Newcastle has scored 21 Premier League goals this season, while Fulham has netted 23. Both teams struggle defensively, contributing to their mid-table positions.

Newcastle’s expected goals data suggests they create quality chances but lack clinical finishing. Fulham’s conversion rate improves under Silva’s guidance.

In the EFL Cup, Newcastle has scored six goals across two matches, averaging three per game.

Fulham has managed four goals in three matches, requiring a penalty shootout to advance past Wycombe. This suggests Newcastle possesses greater attacking threat in cup competitions.

Current Standings

Newcastle sits 12th in the Premier League with their points total reflecting inconsistent performances.

They trail fifth-placed Crystal Palace by four points, keeping European qualification hopes alive.

Fulham occupies 13th position, two points behind Newcastle. Both teams need improved league form to climb the table.

Match Prediction

Newcastle’s home advantage and cup pedigree give them the edge. Despite defensive injuries, their attacking quality should prove decisive. Fulham’s depleted squad lacks depth to compete across multiple competitions.

The match will likely produce goals, given both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities.

Predicted Score: Newcastle United 2-1 Fulham

Newcastle advances to the semi-finals, maintaining their title defense. Wissa could mark his full debut with a goal, while Wilson scores for Fulham.

The match provides entertainment but Newcastle’s experience in knockout football proves crucial.

Howe’s team takes another step toward retaining their crown, while Silva’s side exits with heads held high after a competitive performance.

Also Read: Manchester City vs Brentford Prediction.

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