Gordon delighted with Woltemade's impact in Newcastle attack

Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon described his early partnership with Nick Woltemade as "unbelievable" despite initial doubts over the striker's style of play.

Woltemade has scored four goals in his five Premier League games for Newcastle since his summer switch from Stuttgart. The only players to reach five goals in six or fewer appearances for the Magpies are Loic Remy (five), Les Ferdinand and Papiss Cisse (both six).

Gordon is yet to register a direct goal involvement in the league this season, but has scored four goals and provided one assist in three Champions League games so far.

Gordon and Woltemade played a crucial role in the build up to Newcastle's third goal in their 3-0 win against Benfica on Tuesday, with the winger enjoying his time alongside the German international.

"I was unsure of his game style when he first came in, how it would translate for me," said Gordon.

"It's been unbelievable, to be honest. I didn't think it'd turn out as well as it has.

"He suits my game so well. He sees the little passes I make round the corner – that's my style of play as a winger.

"Not a lot of attackers can really play off that style, but some of his first touches, some of his little flicks – especially for the third goal – that's top, top level."

Newcastle will be hoping to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they host Fulham on Saturday.

The Cottagers have lost their last three league fixtures, with 3-1 defeats against Bournemouth and Aston Villa followed by a 1-0 loss to Arsenal.

Fulham's squad was already depleted heading into their game against the Gunners, while Joachim Andersen was also forced off with an injury in the first half. 

Marco Silva praised the attitude of his players in the defeat, and saw plenty of qualities to work with for their clash with Eddie Howe's team. 

"We have a lot of absences right now, but the attitude from the players, the work ethic, and the organisation was there most of the time," said Silva.

"Arsenal are in a great moment — a tough side to play against. We had a better first half, and I would have liked to see us in the second half do more or less what we did in the first 30 minutes.

"I think we did start very well. The first 25 to 30 minutes were at a very good level from us. The way our organisation kept them away from creating clear chances was really pleasing to see."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Newcastle United – Bruno Guimaraes

As a team, Newcastle have made more line-breaking passes behind the defensive line than any other side in the Premier League this season (61), with captain Guimaraes leading the way among players in the top-flight (15).

The Brazilian midfielder has also scored twice in the league so far. Only in-form Woltemade (four) has scored more for the Magpies in the 2025-26 campaign.

Fulham – Alex Iwobi

Fulham's Iwobi has made 299 Premier League appearances, scoring 32 goals and providing 37 assists across spells with the Cottagers, Everton and Arsenal.

He would be the first Nigerian to reach 300, and fifth African player overall after Kolo Toure (353), Mohamed Salah (309), Wilfried Zaha (305) and Jordan Ayew (305).

MATCH PREDICTION – NEWCASTLE UNITED WIN

No side has kept more clean sheets in the Premier League this season than Newcastle (five, level with Arsenal). Indeed, the Magpies' league games have seen fewer goals scored than any other side's this term (14).

Meanwhile, only Burnley and Sunderland (21 each) have had fewer shots on target than Fulham in the Premier League this season (23), with the Cottagers failing to register one against Arsenal last time out.

However, after an eight-game winless run against Newcastle in the Premier League between 2018 and 2024, Fulham completed the league double over the Magpies last season.

Newcastle lost this exact fixture 2-1 last season – only once have they lost back-to-back home league games against Fulham, doing so in 1950-51.

Howe's side have won just two of their last 10 Premier League games (D3 L5), with both victories coming against sides currently sitting in the relegation zone (Wolves and Nottingham Forest).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Newcastle United – 60.4%

Draw – 20.8%

Fulham – 18.8%