Match Preview
Fulham vrs Newcastle United
Premier League Match Day 38 1819 at Craven Cottage
Sunday 12th May 2019 KO: 15:00
Referee:
Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)
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Scott Parker’s future is no longer in question after the former captain’s was made Fulham’s permanent manager.
A disastrous return to the Premier League will finally come to an end on Sunday.
Fulham lead the Premier League in goals conceded, a startling problem that will need to be addressed in the summer.
Fulham have given supporters hope for next season but who will remain for the Championship campaign remains to be seen.
A repeat of last season’s 10th-place finish is unattainable for Newcastle, but three points would see them finish with one more than their 2017/18 tally of 44.
Fulham manager Scott Parker: "The challenge lies with me to move things forward.
"Ultimately, success comes from a culture and a desire - that needs to be our foundation. We'll drive a culture here that our fans will recognise.
"The way I want to be as a coach won't change. I'm a coach that's very much into communication. I like to give the players ownership, responsibility and clear guidance."
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez on his future: "We have one game left to play. We have to try and do well, we want to finish one place higher if we can.
"I have some players asking me questions about the future, but still we don't know.
"We've waited eight months, so we can wait another 10 days."
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Fulham have won eight of their past nine home league games against Newcastle, including each of the last six (five of them in the Premier League).
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The Magpies have kept clean sheets in three of the last four top-flight meetings, although those shut-outs all came on Tyneside.
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Fulham could win three consecutive Premier League home games for the first time since a four-match streak in 2012.
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They have conceded just one goal in four top-flight matches, after conceding at least twice in each of their previous 13 fixtures.
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The Cottagers have won their final game in just one of their last six Premier League seasons, a 3-0 victory against Swansea in 2013.
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Only Aleksandar Mitrovic (14) has been involved in more Premier League goals for Fulham this season than Ryan Babel (5 goals, 3 assists), despite the Dutchman playing just 15 games for the club.
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Newcastle have won their final league game of the season in each of the past four campaigns, scoring 13 goals and conceding just one, although all those matches were at St James' Park.
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The Magpies have not won away from home on the final day of a top-flight season since beating Tottenham 3-0 in 1976.
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They have taken just five points from their last 12 Premier League matches in London, and have lost more away games in the capital (76) than any other side.
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Salomon Rondon has been directly involved in 45% of his side's Premier League goals this season, scoring 10 and assisting seven - only Eden Hazard (49%) boasts a higher figure.