Afternoon all! Our Premier League coverage continues on Sports Mole as Fulham welcome Newcastle United to Craven Cottage. For the home side and newly-appointed boss Felix Magath, they are approaching last-chance saloon. As it stands, the capital outfit are bottom of the division on 21 points, four points from 17th-place West Bromwich Albion, who have played one game less.

Newcastle, meanwhile, enter the match in eighth position following back-to-back wins over Aston Villa and Hull City. However, the Magpies will have to contend with the absence of their manager Alan Pardew at Craven Cottage this afternoon, with the Englishman starting his suspension following a headbutt on Hull City's David Meyler in the league last time out at the KC Stadium.

PANORAMIC: Hello from a sunny Craven Cottage, by the river. #ffc #coyw pic.twitter.com/D4uSGMKLr0

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) March 15, 2014

TEAMS:

FULHAM: Stockdale; Heitinga, Hangeland, Amorebieta, Richardson; Kasami, Kvist, Sidwell; Kacaniklic, Holtby, Woodrow

NEWCASTLE: Krul; Yanga-Mbiwa, Coloccini, Williamson, Dummett; Sissoko, Anita, Tiote; Gouffran, De Jong, Cisse

So there we have it. Lewis Holtby will seemingly act as a false nine for the home side this afternoon, while youngster Cauley Woodrow is also in the XI. The midfield for the home side contains Kasami, Kvist and Sidwell. Newcastle, meanwhile, are still without Davide Santon, Hatem Ben Arfa, Loic Remy and Mathieu Debuchy. Yoan Gouffran does start, however, with the Frenchman joined in the final third by Luuk de Jong and Papiss Cisse. Interesting team selections from both managers that is for certain.

Newcastle boss Pardew is expected to watch the match from the team hotel as he starts his three-game stadium suspension, which will be followed by a four-match touchline ban. As a result, the Magpies boss is unable to enter Craven Cottage and will hand his duties to assistant John Carver, who has previously acted as the club's caretaker manager.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Newcastle have won three of the last five matches, with Fulham also winning twice during that run of fixtures. It has been a case of home comforts, with the victories going the way of the hosts. The reverse match earlier this season, which took place at the end of last August, ended in a 1-0 Newcastle win.

However, The Magpies have not won at Fulham since 2007. The corresponding match last season ended in a 2-1 Fulham win, who also thumped Newcastle 5-2 in January 2012. If Fulham are to survive this season, then these are the type of matches that they simply have to win. Now more than ever, home form becomes imperative.

Fulham enter the match off the back of a damaging 3-1 defeat to Cardiff City last weekend, with that result leaving the club bottom of the table on 21 points. They have won just six of their 29 league games this season and more worryingly, have played more games than the teams around them. Sunderland, who sit 19th on 24 points, have three games in hand over the Cottagers.

Nice moment for @patrick7roberts as the 17-year-old is named on the bench today. #FFC pic.twitter.com/dRmEtNSxt3 — Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) March 15, 2014

Fulham have not picked up all three points in the league since beating West Ham United on New Year's Day. Since then, they have lost seven times and drawn twice. That run of form prompted the powers-that-be to remove former Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen from his role as boss, but Magath has picked up just one point from his three games in charge.

The 2 captain's go into see ref Howard Webb ahead of today's game at Craven Cottage pic.twitter.com/CTmpb69hFc

— Ian Abrahams (@BroadcastMoose) March 15, 2014

The Cottagers have the worst home record in the league this season having taken just 10 points from their 14 matches, losing 10 times in the process. Their away form, which was so often their Achilles heel in recent seasons, is stronger than the majority of the teams around them, however, with 11 points from 15 matches, which is five more than fellow strugglers Cardiff City.

The Cottagers have the worst home record in the league this season having taken just 10 points from their 14 matches, losing 10 times in the process. Their away form, which has so often been their Achilles heel in recent seasons, is stronger than the majority of the teams around them, however, with 11 points from 15 matches, which is five more than fellow strugglers Cardiff City.

Scoring goals has been a problem for Fulham, meanwhile, with just 29 in their 29 matches. The fact that their top scorer is midfielder Steve Sidwell on six is an indication of their troubles. Down the other end, they have the worst defensive record in the league by some distance. In their 29 games, they have conceded 65 goals, 15 more than Cardiff City.

Fulham's defensive issues run much deeper, however. Just three clean sheets have arrived in their 29 matches, which is quite incredible when taking into account the numbers of the teams around them. Fellow strugglers Sunderland have kept nine clean sheets, Cardiff have six, West Brom have six and Crystal Palace have eight.

As mentioned, Newcastle currently occupy eighth spot in the table. They have won 13 of their 28 matches, losing 11 times in the process. That run of form has left them on 43 points, just five points from sixth-place Manchester United and 12 clear of 10th-place West Ham United. They are certainly looking up rather than down with 10 matches of the campaign remaining.

Their lofty position in the table is even more remarkable when taking into account their form at the start of February. They conceded 10 times without scoring in defeats to Sunderland, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, two of which were at home, but successive wins over Aston Villa and Hull have consolidated their hopes of a top-half finish.

Newcastle's away form has been strong this season with seven wins from their 14 matches, losing just six times in the process. That tally means that they have taken the same number of away points as Liverpool and just three less than Chelsea. Had their home form been stronger, they might be pushing for the top six in the latter stages of the season.

St James' Park has been a difficult place to travel in recent seasons, but Newcastle have taken just 21 points from their 14 home games this season. They have also conceded 19 times on their own patch, with just six teams conceding more at this stage of the season. Little over 10 minutes until kickoff in London.

The away side have been a fairly potent outfit in attack, however, with 37 goals in their 29 matches. Much of their success in the final third has been down to the performances of on-loan QPR striker Loic Remy, who has 13 league goals to his name, but the Frenchman misses out this afternoon through injury. Down the other end, Newcastle have conceded 39 times, keeping eight clean sheets in the process.

PREDICTION: It is now or never for Fulham, who simply must start picking up points. It is an interesting team selection from Magath this afternoon and I just cannot see where the goals are coming from. Newcastle are also without a number of key first-team players, however, which makes for an interesting contest. I am going to sit on the fence at Craven Cottage and back a 1-1 draw.

It must be said that it is a beautiful afternoon in London this afternoon. There is also a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium - let's hope the atmosphere on the pitch matches the one in the stands. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, the action will commence.

Here we go then. The games are running out for Fulham, but victory this afternoon and suddenly there is hope. Newcastle are out of the relegation battle, however, and have a somewhat free hit. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. The home side get the first period underway.

Never mind March, the weather is that of August in South London this afternoon. Fulham immediately look forward with Sidwell, but Woodrow is ruled offside. The away side break down the other end with Tiote moments later, but midfielder Kasami is across to challenge as the heavy tackles arrive in the early exchanges.

It must be said that there is a wonderful noise inside the stadium as the home supporters continue to make their voices known. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening four minutes, but both sides are demonstrating their willingness to commit bodies in the final third. Kacaniklic makes a bright run behind Williamson, but the Fulham winger is ruled offside.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments as a late challenge from Sidwell on Anita hands Newcastle a free kick. The resulting set piece is taken by Sissoko, but it is straight into the arms of Stockdale, who is a surprise starter this afternoon. Still goalless with six minutes on the clock.

Opportunity for Fulham to threaten from a free kick as Holtby is felled outside the box by Williamson. The resulting set piece is delivered by Holtby, but Krul just collects under pressure from Hangeland. An inch lower and the Fulham skipper might have beaten Krul to the cross. Better from the hosts at Craven Cottage.

Bright work from Newcastle as Cisse collects a through pass from Dummett before driving into the box, but Hangeland is across to make the challenge. The resulting corner is delivered by Dummett, but Richardson is on hand to clear the danger. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances, but both sides have demonstrated their willingness to commit numbers in the final third inside the opening 10 minutes.

CHANCE! The first real opportunity of the match arrives for Fulham as Kacaniklic delivers a sensational cross into the Newcastle box, but there are no takers. Dummett almost turns into his own net, but does not make enough contract. Better from Fulham, who look bright and inventive on their own patch.

You just get the feeling that this game is there for Fulham. In truth, Newcastle do not have too much to play for in the remainder of the season. They are safe from the drop and probably out of the race for a European finish. Still goalless, but the home side continue to force the issue with dangerous crosses into the box.

Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments with Newcastle just settling with possession of the ball. The only real chance thus far has fallen the way of the home side, but Newcastle have struggled for ideas in the final third thus far. Hangeland, as expected, has been dominant aerially.

End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes with both sides forcing the issue in the final third, but neither has been able to find that elusive pass thus far. Kasami slides a through ball towards Woodrow, but Williamson is across to clear. Newcastle are extremely compact at the moment with Anita and Tiote forming a shield each time Fulham break into the away side's half.

Opportunity for Newcastle to threaten from another free kick on the right. Once more Dummett is tasked with delivering into the Fulham box, but Stockdale is on hand to collect with ease. Not too much quality in either half at the moment as the first period continues to gather pace. Still goalless at Craven Cottage.

The free kick count continues to rise as Kvist fells De Jong outside the Fulham box. Dummett and De Jong stand over the resulting set piece, but Dummett's effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Slightly untidy last couple of minutes with a number of late challenges interrupting the flow with 23 minutes on the clock.

Well, 25 minutes in and in truth, not too much has happened. Both sides are attempting to create, but there has been little quality on display. It is not too difficult to see why Fulham have struggled this season, while Newcastle are without a number of their regular XI. Little over 20 minutes of the first period to play.

Half-chance for the home side as Kacaniklic finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Just one goal for the midfielder this season. Gouffran is down the other end for Newcastle moments later, but Heitinga is across to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner is once more delivered by Dummett, but Hangeland rises to clear the danger.

Another threatening set piece for Newcastle as Hangeland vacates his area to face up De Jong, but he brings the forward to the ground. Dummett comes across to deliver, but once more Sidwell is on hand to clear. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and still we wait for the first goal of the afternoon.

Another threatening set piece for Newcastle as Hangeland vacates his area to face up De Jong, but he brings the forward to the ground. Dummett comes across to deliver, but once more Sidwell is on hand to clear. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and still we wait for the first goal of the afternoon.

CHANCE! The best moment of the match for Fulham arrives as Holtby picks up possession outside the box before bending one towards the top corner, but Krul is on hand to make a really smart save.

I would love to be able to report that there have been a number of chances in the last few moments, but that is not the case. It is almost as if both sides are worried about conceding, rather than attempting to force the issue. A number of late challenges in the middle of the park continue to interrupt the flow.

Half-chance for Newcastle this time as De Jong finds some space outside the box before attempting to place one into the bottom corner, but it was always comfortable for Stockdale. Fulham are down the other end with Kasami moments later, but the midfielder loses possession before the ball rules out for a goal kick.

CHANCE! Newcastle's best chance of the match comes to Cisse as the striker meets a cross from Sissoko at the far post, but Stockdale is across to make the save. Much better from the visitors, but Fulham manage to clear the resulting corner. Still goalless after 39 minutes of football.

Good pressure from Fulham in the last couple of moments as they keep the ball alive in and around the Newcastle box. Eventually it falls to Richardson, but he slices his effort towards Kasami, who follows suit. Not too much from Newcastle, however, with 42 minutes on the clock. The tempo has certainly risen.

The home side continue to force the issue in the Newcastle half, but the final ball remains short of the required quality. In truth, neither side has done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings. It is the type of match where one goal could be enough to claim all the points.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. In truth, it has been a half short of quality, with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Let's hope for a rise in intensity in the second 45 minutes at Craven Cottage.

STATISTICS: Newcastle have had more of the ball with 61%, while they have had seven attempts, two of which have been on target. Fulham, meanwhile, have hit the target with just one of their three attempts. Holtby has come the closest to scoring, with the German midfielder's curling effort from outside the box bringing a smart save from Krul.

BENCH WATCH: Fulham do not have too much in terms of attacking options on their bench this afternoon, with Dejagah and Rodallega the only two experienced forward players in reserve. Newcastle, meanwhile, have also been hit with injuries, but have the likes of Marveaux and Shola Ameobi in reserve.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. It is time for someone to make themselves a hero for Fulham. Draws are no good for Magath's side at this stage of the season. Right, the away side get the second period underway at Craven Cottage. Let's hope for more goal-mouth action.

No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. The first free kick of the second period is handed to Fulham as Kasami is felled by Coloccini outside the Newcastle box.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Fulham have the ball in the back of the net as Kasami thumps one home from inside the box, but Sidwell had just moved into an offside position before meeting the free kick from Hangeland. Positive start from the hosts, but Newcastle have not started thus far.

Half-chance for Newcastle as De Jong finds some space inside the Fulham box before attempting to slide one into the near post, but Hangeland just does enough to put the striker under pressure. There has been a definite rise in tempo in the second period, with both sides forcing the issue in the final third.

The home side continue to put Newcastle under pressure with two corners in quick succession, but Williamson and Tiote take it in turns to clear the danger. Kacaniklic threatens to meet a cross from Sidwell moments later, but his header is weak. In the next attack, De Jong heads into the arms of Fulham stopper Stockdale.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Fulham have another one chalked off for offside as Woodrow converts from close range. Moments before, Heitinga had rattled the crossbar with an effort from distance. Confusion as to whether the forward was indeed in an offside position. Scenes at Craven Cottage!

One-way traffic in the last few moments with the home side really forcing the issue in the final third. You just get the feeling that they need to score during this bright spell. Newcastle just cannot get out of their own half with Cisse and De Jong struggling for possession of the ball. Little over 30 minutes remaining.

Another half-chance for the home side as Woodrow strikes one from a wide position, but Krul is on hand to make the save. Newcastle break down the other end with Gouffran moments later, but Kvist fells the Frenchman. Wouldn't it be just like Fulham's season if Newcastle were to take the lead at this stage of proceedings?

It has just been confirmed that Heitinga's effort that rattled the crossbar WAS NOT over the line. Fulham make their first change of the match as Dejagah enters the field in place of Kasami. What a 30 minutes in the season of the home side. A victory this afternoon could turn their campaign around.

The one-way traffic continues as the home side deliver two more dangerous crosses into the Newcastle box, but Williamson is on hand to clear the danger. It would not be a surprise if the visitors were considering a change - they just have not started in the second period. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.

Untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Newcastle have another free kick in a dangerous position as Hangeland fells De Jong outside the Fulham box. Dummett delivers once more, but Williamson cannot meet the cross at the far post.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Newcastle as Cisse collects a poor pass from Hangeland before advancing into the Fulham box, but Stockdale is on hand to make a wonderful save.

Fulham take the lead with little over 20 minutes remaining as Dejagah collects possession outside the box before thumping one into the bottom corner. Scenes at Craven Cottage!

Stockdale must take wonderful credit for what has just happened. Moments before the goal, the Fulham stopper produced a smart save to deny Cisse. Moments later, Newcastle make their first change of the match as Ameobi enters the field in place of Cisse, who has really struggled to influence proceedings this afternoon.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Fulham are in control of the possession. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this afternoon. Another corner arrives for the hosts following bright work from Richardson, but Williamson rises highest to clear.

As it stands, Fulham would remain in the bottom three, but they would be just two points from safety. However, there are still around 15 minutes of football to play this afternoon. Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure from either side in the last minute or two, however, as Fulham remain in control.

Untidy period of the match in the last minute or two with both sides guilty of some poor passing n the final third. Newcastle have just started to ask some questions with a period of possession outside the Fulham box, but Richardson is twice across to clear at the near post. Little over 10 minutes remaining.

Woodrow continues to work hard in the final third for the home side, but the youngster is running out of legs. Newcastle have had more of the ball since conceding, but have hardly threatened Stockdale in the Fulham goal. The home side are around 10 minutes from what would be a vital three points.

Newcastle make their second change as Marveaux enters the field in place of Anita. Fulham also make a change as Holtby is replaced by Riether. Both managers have one permitted change remaining in the latter stages. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this as tiredness continues to play a part.

Just over 25,500 are inside Craven Cottage this afternoon. Newcastle, as always, have travelled well and their supporters are doing their best to raise their side in the latter stages. Ameobi has the chance to strike one from outside the box, but Stockdale is on hand to make the save. It remains 1-0 Fulham.

Half-chance for the away side as De Jong climbs well inside the Fulham box, but his header is wide of the post. That proves to be his final piece of action as Armstrong enters the field for his debut. Little over two minutes of football remaining. Fulham are almost there.

Fulham also make their third and final change and it is Dejagah that leaves the field with an injury. Dan Burn is the goalscorer's replacement. In truth, Newcastle are hardly threatening as the home side continue to control the possession. Kvist strikes one from distance for the home side, but his effort is high and wide.

Armstrong strikes one from distance for the away side, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Incredible tension inside Craven Cottage.

So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with Fulham picking up a vital three points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for all the reaction. Until then!