Scott Parker was once an integral part of Newcastle’s midfield but he returns to St James’ Park on a mission to ease Fulham’s relegation worries. Should Aleksandar Mitrovic, also returning, score against his old club, Steve Bruce will have reason to be worried. Although Newcastle look safe enough things remain fragile and Wednesday’s 5-2 thrashing at Leeds served as a reminder of their limitations. With festive fixtures at Manchester City and at home to Liverpool and Leicester looming, Bruce could do with a victory. Louise Taylor
Saturday 8pm Sky Sports Premier League
Venue St James’ Park
Last season n/a
Odds H 8-5 A 9-5 D 11-5
Referee Graham Scott
This season G5 Y15 R3 3.6 per/game
NEWCASTLE
Subs from Gillespie, Murphy, Dummett, Carroll, Hendrick, M Longstaff, Yedlin, Joelinton, S Longstaff, Gayle
Doubtful None
Injured Dubravka (ankle, unknown), Manquillo (illness, unknown), Lascelles
(illness, unknown), Saint-Maximin (illness, unknown), Schär (illness, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y24 R0
Form WLLWWL
Leading scorer Wilson 7
FULHAM
Subs from Rodak, Fabri, Le Marchand, Ream, Hector, Odoi, Christie, Lemina, Cairney, Bryan, Kebano, Mitrovic, Kamara
Doubtful Decordova-Reid (thigh)
Injured Tete (match fitness, 26 Dec), Kongolo (ankle, Jan)
Suspended None
Discipline Y26 R1
Form LLWLDD
Leading scorer Decordova-Reid 4
