Premier League Matchweek 9 Preview at St. James’ Park
Newcastle and Fulham, separated by just one point in the Premier League standings, will clash at St. James’ Park on Saturday, October 25th, hoping to find some much-needed rhythm in their campaigns. The Magpies currently sit 14th with nine points, while the Cottagers occupy 15th position, making this a crucial encounter for both teams seeking to climb the table.
After a slow start to the season, Newcastle United have found some form in recent weeks, winning four of their last six matches across all competitions, including an impressive 3-0 victory over Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night. This momentum could prove vital as Eddie Howe’s side looks to convert their improving form into consistent Premier League results.
Match Details and Current Form
Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Kick-off: Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET (7:30 PM IST)
Competition: Premier League Matchweek 9
Newcastle United were defeated in their last Premier League game, suffering a 2-1 loss away from home against Brighton at American Express Stadium. Despite the setback, Nick Woltemade was the goalscorer for the Magpies, continuing his impressive start to life at St. James’ Park.
Fulham have now lost three straight fixtures since their three-game winning streak in September, with 3-1 away defeats to Aston Villa and Bournemouth followed by a 1-0 reversal at home to Arsenal last time out. This recent slump has raised questions about Marco Silva’s side and their ability to compete consistently at the highest level.
Betting Odds and Predictions
The bookmakers have installed Newcastle as clear favorites for this encounter. Newcastle has a 62.1% chance of winning this match based on the moneyline, while Fulham has a 17.8% chance of winning. The odds reflect Newcastle’s home advantage and Fulham’s poor away record this season.
Key Betting Lines:
- Newcastle to win: -164 to -169
- Draw: Around +280
- Fulham to win: +463 to +481
- Over 2.5 Goals: -163
Expert predictions favor Fulham with the +1 Asian Handicap at -123, suggesting the visitors will prosper with a one-goal advantage, with cash back available for a narrow defeat. This reflects the competitive nature expected despite Newcastle’s favoritism.
Key Player Focus: Nick Woltemade’s Impact
One of the season’s most pleasant surprises has been the immediate impact of Newcastle’s summer signing Nick Woltemade. Woltemade has scored in three straight Premier League matches and is available as an Anytime Goalscorer at odds of +105. The striker has seamlessly filled the void and become a focal point of Newcastle’s attack.
Not even the most optimistic Newcastle fan would have predicted how quickly Nick Woltemade has settled in at St. James’ Park, with the big man looking every inch an adequate replacement for Alexander Isak. His aerial prowess and ability to drop deep have added a new dimension to the Magpies’ attacking play.
Expected Lineups and Team News
Newcastle United Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
Nick Pope (GK), Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Daniel Burn, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon.
Key Team News: Joelinton and Sandro Tonali should both return on Saturday after being rested in midweek, ensuring there’s still a fresh feel to their play in the centre of the pitch. Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Yoane Wissa are all still out.
Fulham Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Bernd Leno (GK), Issa Diop, Jorge Cuenca, Calvin Bassey, Timothy Castagne, Sander Berge, Sasa Lukic, Ryan Sessegnon, Joshua King, Alex Iwobi, Raul Jimenez.
Key Team News: Fulham will be without Joachim Andersen after the defender picked up a hamstring injury against Arsenal, joining Antonee Robinson, Samuel Chukwueze and Rodrigo Muniz in the treatment room, while Harry Wilson is considered touch-and-go.
Statistical Analysis and Trends
With seven goals in 8 matches, Newcastle is 17th in the Premier League in scoring, while on the defensive side, they have allowed seven goals in 8 matches, ranking fourth in the league. This defensive solidity at home could prove crucial against a Fulham side struggling for goals.
Fulham have 3 victories, 5 defeats and 2 draws, with an average of 1.1 goals from 3.2 shots on goal per match. Their attacking struggles have been evident, with Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson leading the scoring charts with just 2 goals each.
Each of the past six Fulham away games have involved the 10.5 Total Corners line not being covered, with six of the previous ten Newcastle home matches having the same result. This suggests a low-corner game, with value potentially found in the under corners market.
Head-to-Head History
The recent history between these sides tells an interesting story. In their most recent encounter, Fulham defeated Newcastle 2-1 at St. James’ Park in February of this year. However, over the last six meetings, Newcastle have won four times, while Fulham have won twice.
Fulham should take plenty of encouragement from their performances against Newcastle last season, as they won both league matches against the Magpies. This psychological edge could provide confidence despite their current struggles.
Tactical Analysis and Key Battle Areas
Newcastle are at a slight disadvantage having played in midweek, but only one of their regular midfield trio started that game. The rotation strategy employed by Eddie Howe should ensure fresh legs in the crucial midfield battle where Bruno Guimaraes will be pivotal.
The Cottagers haven’t shown enough in the final third this term to suggest they’ll be anything better than a bottom-half team. Fulham’s attacking impotence has been their Achilles heel, and facing Newcastle’s improving defense presents a significant challenge.
Woltemade can drop deep and act like a number 10 at times, and with this Newcastle side full of energetic players capable of making runs in behind, the Magpies should cause plenty of problems for a Fulham backline that’s missing two of its regular back four.
Important Questions and Updates
Can Newcastle Build Momentum at Home?
Newcastle have been difficult to breach at home, taking six of their nine points this season at St. James’ Park. With confidence growing from their Champions League triumph, the Magpies will look to establish St. James’ Park as a fortress once again. Their home form will be crucial to any hopes of climbing into the top half of the table.
Will Fulham’s Away Struggles Continue?
Fulham have struggled away from home, with their last away win dating back to May. This alarming statistic highlights the Cottagers’ inability to perform on their travels, a trend they desperately need to reverse. Missing key defensive personnel like Andersen and Robinson makes this task even more daunting.
Can Woltemade Continue His Scoring Streak?
The German striker has been a revelation since his summer arrival. His physical presence, technical ability, and goal-scoring instinct have provided Newcastle with a reliable attacking outlet. If he can net his fifth league goal of the season, it would further cement his status as one of the bargain signings of the summer transfer window.
How Will Missing Players Affect Both Teams?
Both squads are dealing with injury concerns that could significantly impact the match. Newcastle’s ability to rotate their midfield despite injuries gives them an advantage, while Fulham’s defensive absentees could prove costly against Newcastle’s improving attack.
Final Prediction
Given Newcastle’s improved form, home advantage, and Fulham’s woeful away record, the hosts should secure all three points. Newcastle have won three of their last four matches by a margin of two goals or more, while Fulham have lost three of their four away league matches by a margin of two goals or more.