Mark Lawrenson having his say on Newcastle United – Can’t agree with him on this one | OneFootball

Mark Lawrenson has been discussing Newcastle United.

The former Liverpool defender speaking ahead of the imminent trip to Fulham.

Newcastle United having played five matches so far this season.

Premier League wins at home against Southampton and Tottenham.

Whilst on the road, a Premier League draw at Bournemouth, the PL victory at Wolves and the cup win at Nottingham Forest.

Mark Lawrenson talking about Newcastle United to Paddy Power ahead of Saturday’s match at Fulham:

“Fulham got done in the last minute with that goal from West Ham and Newcastle turned it round against Wolves.

“I just fancy Fulham here with home advantage.

“I don’t think that penalty loss to Preston in the Carabao Cup during the week will have any effect on them.

“Prediction: Fulham 2 Newcastle 1”

I can’t agree with Mark Lawrenson about Newcastle United on this occasion.

Eddie Howe has won all five games against Fulham home and away since Marco Silva took the job at Craven Cottage.

Newcastle United have won their last six matches home and away against Fulham.

The last five visits to Craven Cottage have seen NUFC win them all.

This doesn’t mean I think Newcastle United and Eddie Howe will automatically taste victory today BUT Fulham and Craven Cottage in particular, appear to have suited NUFC very much in recent years.

I know there is plenty of room for improvement in Newcastle United’s performances AND I expect that to happen, hopefully starting today. However, Fulham haven’t impressed at all, despite a very decent looking opening schedule.

They lost in a shocking match at Old Trafford (I watched it on TV) where both sides were terrible could only draw at home to West Ham, plus only a draw at promoted Ipswich. Then their only PL win has been a close 2-1 home victory over another promoted club in Leicester.

I take it Mark Lawrenson isn’t aware that Fulham changed their entire team for that cup defeat at Preston in midweek but regardless of who was playing (and Silva threw first choice players on from the bench to try and rescue the situation), a cup defeat to lower league opposition, isn’t a help. Certainly it sounds like the Fulham fans aren’t happy with things on and off the pitch, with plenty of empty seats apparently today, at least those that haven’t been bought up in the home sections by Newcastle United fans…

If Newcastle can start well, as they have done in all three away matches so far, AND get the first goal, then I think Fulham are there for the taking and the home fans could well turn on their team and manager.

Newcastle United upcoming match schedule, confirmed to end of November:

Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 24 September 2024 – AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle (7.45pm) Sky Sports+

Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (12.30 pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 19 October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)

Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 2 November – Newcastle v Arsenal (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Sunday 10 November – Forest v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports