Premier League: Fulham v Newcastle match preview

A look ahead to tonight's Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage

Fulham captain Brede Hangeland (GETTY IMAGES)

This has the look of a must win fixture for home side Fulham if the alarm bells aren't to begin ringing with urgency.

After bolting out of the stable, Martin Jol's side have been put to grass in recent weeks, failing to win a game in seven attempts.

The Cottagers' usually reliable home form has also taken a knock, with defeats to Sunderland and Tottenham in the last two games.

The return of captain Brede Hangeland from suspension cannot be underestimated. The Norwegian's understudy Philippe Senderos has been culpable for nearly all the goals in his absence.

Newcastle were also the subject of some worrying form, but last Monday's 3-0 victory over Wigan has gone some way to alleviating that.

The two sides sit equal on 17 points, four points from the relegation zone. Three points would put either side right back in the mid-table mix.

KICK-OFF: Monday, 8pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Fulham 5 (Dempsey 3, Zamora, Murphy) Newcastle 2 (Guthrie, Ben Arfa), Premier League, January 2012

Newcastle 2 (Best 2) Fulham 1 (Dempsey), Premier League, August 2011

Fulham 1 (Duff) Newcastle 0, Premier League, February 2011

STATS…

Newcastle are yet to register an away win in the Premier League this season.

Fulham and Newcastle both have a winning percentage of 27 per cent this season.

There have been 11 goals in the final 10 minutes in games involving Fulham.

Prior to their win over Wigan on Monday night, it was the first time Newcastle had lost four league games in a row since September 2008.

ODDS…

Fulham to win: 1.94

Newcastle to win: 4.40

Draw: 3.75

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1, 8pm