Both Newcastle United and Fulham started this season aiming to compete in European competitions in the next season.
Newcastle's main target was to qualify for the Champions League and they are in a good position to achieve that goal, sitting fifth in the league and level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City.
On the other hand, Fulham's hopes for European football are fading as they have dropped to 10th place, with little chance of improving their position after facing Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Team news
Newcastle will still be without Jamaal Lascelles and Harvey Barnes, but there is a possibility of Callum Wilson returning as he has resumed training and will undergo assessment.
Reiss Nelson has returned to training for Fulham and could play if no further issues arise. His comeback is timely as winger Harry Wilson is sidelined along with Kenny Tete.
The stats
Newcastle have won seven of their last eight Premier League matches, while Fulham have only managed to win three of their last 12 league games.
Newcastle has scored in the first half in 13 consecutive games, totaling 19 first-half goals during that period.
Fulham had lost six consecutive matches against Newcastle before their 3-1 victory in September.
Prediction
Newcastle's unexpected 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth in their recent home game might raise doubts, but Bournemouth's subsequent 5-0 win against third-placed Nottingham Forest suggests that defeat was not as disappointing as initially perceived.
Most importantly, Newcastle responded promptly by defeating Southampton 3-1 the following weekend, led by Alexander Isak, who has scored 11 goals in his last eight games. Eddie Howe's team is always a threat.
Newcastle has won 10 of their last 11 matches in all competitions, including victories against Arsenal, Tottenham, and Aston Villa. They are expected to be too strong for Fulham, who have won only three of their last 12 Premier League matches.
Fulham's poor form includes a loss to West Ham and draws with Southampton and Ipswich, resulting in a drop in the standings. Marco Silva's team is likely to miss out on a European spot once again.
Fulham's confidence is low, especially when considering their recent head-to-head record of six losses in the last seven meetings against Newcastle. This could allow Newcastle to dominate the match from start to finish.
Newcastle has scored in the first half in 13 consecutive games, netting 19 first-half goals during that run. They are likely to lead at both half-time and full-time on Saturday.