Newcastle United predicted line-up vs. Fulham: Three changes made as £58m star returns while key man suspended

Newcastle United will aim to bounce back from their Champions League heartbreak when they return to Premier League action with a home clash against in-form Fulham on Saturday.

The Magpies looked set to take their place in the last 16 of European football's elite club competition when Joelinton fired them in front in a crucial final group stage fixture with Italian giants AC Milan on Wednesday. However, goals from former Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic and Nigerian star Samuel Chukwueze ensured Eddie Howe's side will have no European action to look forward to in the new year.

Despite that disappointment, the Magpies are fighting for success on a number of fronts as they prepare for an upcoming Carabao Cup quarter-final with Chelsea and an FA Cup third round trip to local rivals Sunderland.

First up is Saturday's St James Park meeting with Fulham as Howe and his players aim to put their Champions League disappointment firmly behind them and put pressure on the top four in the Premier League with a Fulham side that have scored ten goals without reply in their last two games.

Newcastle United Team News

It seems to be one step forwards and two steps back for Eddie Howe after he was dealt further bad news on the injury front. There was some hope summer signing Harvey Barnes could make a comeback from the ankle injury he suffered earlier in the season - but Howe has now revealed for the former Leicester City winger has suffered 'a setback' and could even require further surgery.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Magpies boss said: "It's a setback to a degree. He's felt pain in his foot again. Hopefully, it's not a permanent setback, and he won't need an operation. There's still a chance that might happen."

Howe also revealed midfielder Joe Willock is not expected to return 'this side of January' as he continues his recovery from a calf injury and both Elliot Anderson and Sven Botman are still not ready to return. Goalkeeper Nick Pope (shoulder) and left-back Matt Targett (thigh) are long-term absentees and Javier Manquillo also remains on the sidelines and has no return date from the groin issue that has limited his involvement this season.

There is a slight doubt over in-form winger and Fantasy Premier League favourite Anthony Gordon after he picked up a thigh injury and he will be assessed before a final decision is made over his involvement. Kieran Trippier will sit out the game as he serves a one-match suspension and Sandro Tonali is on the sidelines until next season after receiving a ten-month ban for breaching gambling laws in Italy.

Despite his ongoing woe with injuries, Magpies boss Howe does have some big calls to make. Talented young midfielder Lewis Miley could have given a rest after producing a string of impressive performances upon his introduction to life at a senior level. It seems likely Tino Livramento will switch to right-back in Trippier's absence, meaning Howe must decide whether Dan Burn or Lewis Hall takes his place on the opposite side of the defence. Callum Wilson's return to fitness also means Howe has two striking options available.

Newcastle United Predicted XI

Dubravka, Livramento, Burn, Schar, Lascelles, Longstaff, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Almiron, Isak, Gordon.