BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson has claimed that Newcastle United’s home form is a problem, but has still backed them to beat Fulham 2-0 on Saturday.
The Magpies play host to the struggling Cottagers at St James’ Park, and despite some concerns Lawrenson believes they will ultimately triumph.
“Cottagers boss Claudio Ranieri has been in charge for just over a month now, and I am sure he will have been sizing up his squad and deciding who he wants to bring in when the January transfer window opens,” he wrote on the BBC Sport website.
“Newcastle still have their own relegation worries and their home form is a problem, but I am backing them to win this one. Results-wise the Magpies are still a little bit up and down, but overall their form has been a lot better than it was at the start of the season.”
OPINION
It’s extremely difficult to see anything but a Newcastle win, here. The Magpies have really picked up over the last couple of months and they will be looking to bag another three points against Fulham. Claudio Ranieri is still looking to make an impact at the Cottagers after an inconsistent start to his reign, and they simply look so poor at the back at the moment. Rafael Benitez’s team aren’t the most free-flowing of outfits, but they cause problems and they have physical players like Salomon Rondon who will relish taking on this Cottagers backline. Yes, they haven’t been great at home in recent times, but there still won’t be many people opting for an away win on Saturday. Consistency is the key for Newcastle now and, after beating Huddersfield Town last time out, they will be hoping to make it two in a row against Ranieri’s stuttering side.