Fulham might be getting deja vu midweek, as they faced Newcastle on their travels just a couple of months ago in the Premier League. It was not a game which will bring back fond memories, as they were beaten 2-1 courtesy of a late Bruno Guimaraes strike. 

The Cottagers followed that up with a positive run of form, losing just one of their next five, while prevailing against Wycombe Wanderers on penalties to progress in the EFL Cup. They have regressed in the last couple weeks though, suffering back-to-back losses against Man City and Crystal Palace, before looking unconvincing against Burnley at the weekend. 

Although Fulham took all three points in the end, Burnley had plenty of chances at Turf Moor - they registered 16 shots and five big chances worth 2.46 xG, so were unfortunate to lose 3-2. Meanwhile, Newcastle have won seven of their last eight home matches across all competitions.

The only game they failed to win in that stretch was a 2-2 draw against Tottenham - Cristian Romero scored a miraculous overhead kick goal in stoppage time to equalise, bagging himself a brace in that game. It was a match which Newcastle dominated, highlighting just how impressive their home form has been this season. 

Despite the narrow scoreline when these sides last met back in October, it was a deserved victory for the Magpies. They racked up 18 shots and four big chances worth 2.14 xG, forcing Bernd Leno into five saves. 

However, they weren’t completely watertight at the back, and the visitors were able to find chances. Fulham managed 12 shots amounting to 1.53 xG, with Nick Pope making five crucial saves to help his side pick up three points. Over 1.5 goals has landed in 12 out of 13 matches at St James Park in all competitions this season, highlighting how Newcastle really bring the entertainment.

The Wear-Tyne derby on Sunday afternoon didn’t go how Newcastle fans would’ve hoped - it was a very cagey affair decided by an unusual own goal from Nick Woltemade. Bruno Guimaraes voiced his frustration afterwards on Newcastle’s lack of synergy and intent in the final third. The Magpies managed just six shots totaling 0.25 xG. Captain Guimaraes accounted for two of those efforts, with both hitting the target. 

The Brazilian is averaging 1.47 shots per 90 this season across all competitions, which rises sharply to 1.94 when playing at St James’ Park. The 28-year-old takes things up a gear when playing in front of a home crowd, and has scored all five of his goals this season at home. 

He managed four shots against Fulham when these sides last met back in October, including the winner, so has every reason to approach this match with confidence.

Kenny Tete had a tough outing on his last visit to Tyneside - he was booked after just three minutes for a rough challenge, and so had to be very careful. Playing against the energetic Anthony Gordon on the wing, Tete was also fouled twice, highlighting how he excels at drawing soft infringements and getting cheap free-kicks. 

Tete is averaging 1.84 fouls drawn per 90 across all competitions this season, and has landed this selection 12 out of 13 starts. He drew one foul against Burnley at the weekend, despite the Clarets ranking towards the bottom of the Premier League for total fouls committed, meaning this selection has now landed in eight straight matches for the Dutchman. 

Newcastle are a side who press strongly, particularly when playing at home, and they are going to need a reaction after such a lacklustre showing against Sunderland.