Source: SKY_Sports
Newcastle v Fulham preview
Alan Shearer will continue his mission to steer Newcastle away from the threat of Premier League relegation when European hopefuls Fulham arrive at St James' Park on Saturday.
The Magpies fought their way out of the bottom three on goal difference, at the expense of Hull City, on Monday with a thrilling Tyne-Tees derby victory.
Shearer received widespread praise for his tactical nous as second-half substitutes Obafemi Martins and Peter Lovenkrands helped Newcastle come from behind to secure a memorable 3-1 win over Middlesbrough.
But while the victory against Boro was impressive, a well-organised Fulham side will offer an entirely different opposition in a game where the passion of a local rivalry cannot be relied upon to increase the level of performances.
Strategy
Shearer has earned short-term, critical approval for his strategic rethink, but he will be crossing swords with Roy Hodgson, who has been deservedly hailed throughout the campaign, to increase the difficulty of Newcastle's task at the weekend.
Hodgson - a candidate, away from the obvious, for Manager of the Year - has transformed Fulham from relegation candidates to a side with European credentials and the Cottagers currently occupy seventh spot, which would book a Europa League place.
Newcastle are optimistic that momentum will play a part but they have been damaged by the news that left-back Jose Enrique will again be missing.
The Spaniard has been ruled out with the hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the last two games, while midfielder Alan Smith is rated at only 50-50 as he battles a thigh problem.
Owen futureMartins did not train on Thursday but is expected to be fit as the Magpies attempt to nurse him through a groin injury, while Joey Barton is suspended.
Reports that Michael Owen is set to quit football at the end of the campaign have been swiftly dismissed, but it remains unclear whether the under-fire striker will be named in Shearer's first XI. Mark Viduka impressed against Boro and should keep his place.
Fulham know only too well what is required to escape relegation after surviving on the final day of last season, and Hodgson's men should, therefore, be well prepared for what Newcastle have to offer.
The Cottagers were without striker Andy Johnson and midfielder Simon Davies through injury in last Saturday's win over Aston Villa and the duo's fitness will need to be assessed.
Defender Paul Konchesky shook off a knee problem to feature against Villa and the full-back should again be involved.
Bobby Zamora made a late appearance from the bench and could be pushing for a start, but he could find it difficult to displace last weekend's two-goal hero Diomansy Kamara.
Possible starting XIsNewcastle: Harper, Beye, Taylor, Bassong, Duff, Guthrie, Butt, Nolan, Gutierrez, Owen, Viduka.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Dempsey, Murhpy, Etuhu, Gera, Kamara, Nevland.
