Newcastle predicted line-up vs. Fulham: key change made with injury-ravaged Magpies missing an entire XI

Newcastle United are set to make the trip south to the capital on Saturday afternoon when they take on Fulham in the Premier League – but Eddie Howe may be missing an entire team’s worth of first-team players for the game at Craven Cottage.

11 players are either certain or likely to be out of action, with Newcastle’s options once again heavily restricted, and it now looks all but certain that Kieran Trippier will be out for at least a couple more weeks despite initial optimism that he was closing in on a return.

We’ve collected all of the latest team news and injury updates below for you and ventured our best guess at the likely starting line-up – and if you’re looking for information ahead of the Fantasy Premier League transfer deadline, our high-flying FPL coach’s regular hints and tips column can be found right here.

Goalkeeper & Defence

The chances of Kieran Trippier playing against Fulham have dwindled to near zero, with reports suggesting that his recent calf injury is likely to keep him out for another fortnight or so despite suggestions that he would be back shortly after the international break. Fellow full-back Matt Targett is also more than likely to miss out as he recovers from Achilles tendonitis.

Nick Pope (shoulder) and Tino Livramento (ankle) are both expected to be out until the end of April at least, while both Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman have sustained anterior cruciate ligament injuries which will keep them out for six to nine months. Neither will play again until next season. With so many absentees, Howe is likely to persist with the back line that started the 1-1 draw against Everton.

Midfield

Accurate reports on the timeline for Lewis Miley’s return to action after picking up a back injury on duty with England’s Under-20s team are hard to come by with the club admitting to some uncertainty as to the severity of the issue, but most sources agree that it is highly unlikely that he plays again before May.

The same is true for Brazilian midfielder Joelinton (thigh) who is facing a race against time to play again this season following a successful operation on the injury he picked up in the derby win over Sunderland back in January. Sandro Tonali remains suspended until August for breaches of FIFA betting regulations, and may face additional charges from the FA.

Forwards

Winger Miguel Almirón picked up a knee injury just ten minutes after coming on in the stunning comeback win over West Ham United last weekend, and the initial prognosis is that he is expected to be out for the rest of April. He should be available again in May, with Jacob Murphy holding down the fort in the meantime. Anthony Gordon returns from his one-match suspension.

Centre-forward Callum Wilson rounds out the list of absentees. He suffered a torn pectoral tendon which required surgery, and is likely to be unavailable until mid-May. The former Bournemouth forward will be targeting the last two games of the season.

Full predicted line-up vs. Fulham

Dúbravka; Hall, Burn, Schär, Krafth; Bruno, Longstaff, Willock; Gordon, Murphy, Isak.