Preview: Newcastle United vs. Fulham

Newcastle United will be looking for a swift recovery from their Europa League defeat while Fulham hope to keep their solid run of form going when these two sides meet on Sunday.

The hosts have suffered two straight away defeats and will hope for a happy return to St James' Park, where they won last time out against Wigan Athletic, if they are to east relegation concerns.

Fulham's current run of 11 points from 15 has seen them move to 10th in the league with any fears of the drop surely eliminated after the recent win against Queens Park Rangers.

Alan Pardew has a number of injury problems, with Massadio Haidara and Fabricio Coloccini sidelined with Hatem Ben Arfa. However, Yoan Gouffran does return and Cheick Tiote faces a late fitness test.

For Fulham, Steve Sidwell starts a three-match suspension for his sending-off against QPR with Emmanuel Frimpong the most likely deputy. Ashkan Dejagah is also set to miss out with the injury he sustained in the same match.

Recent form

Newcastle: LWLWLL

Fulham: LDWDWW

Possible starting lineups

Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa, Santon; Perch, Cabaye; Gutierrez, Sissoko, Gouffran; Cisse

Fulham: Schwarzer; Riether, Senderos, Hangeland, Riise; Frimpong, Karagounis; Duff, Ruiz, Rodallega; Berbatov

Sports Mole says: 1-1