Newcastle vs Fulham prediction, H2H and probable lineups - December 17, 2025
One of the English League Cup quarter-final clashes will take place on Wednesday at St. James' Park in Newcastle, where the Magpies will host Fulham. I’m backing a bet on goals in this encounter, with solid odds for success.
Match preview
Newcastle come into this fixture off the back of a disappointing defeat in a heated derby against Sunderland (0-1). The only goal came from an unfortunate own goal by striker Nico Woltemade. The match itself was low on clear-cut chances but packed with intensity and emotion—classic derby stuff. As a result, the Magpies approach this quarter-final looking somewhat drained. To make matters worse, just before the derby, Newcastle let slip a Champions League win over Bayer, conceding late to draw 2-2, a result that also dented the squad’s morale.
In the League Cup, however, Eddie Howe’s side have looked assured so far. Newcastle comfortably dispatched League One’s Bradford 4-1, then overcame a much tougher opponent in Tottenham, winning 2-0. In that match, Nico Woltemade and Fabian Schär got on the scoresheet.
Fulham, meanwhile, come into the game after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Burnley. Overall, the Cottagers have looked quite solid in recent outings. Aside from a loss to Crystal Palace, they’ve shown consistency and nearly pulled off an upset against Manchester City, narrowly losing 4-5 after almost clawing back from 1-5 down.
Unlike Newcastle, Fulham have already come through three rounds in the League Cup, each against sides from different divisions. The Londoners knocked out Championship side Bristol City (2-0), edged past League Two’s Cambridge (1-0), and then only squeezed past League One’s Wycombe on penalties in the round of 16. Now, for the first time in this year’s tournament, they face Premier League opposition.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Newcastle have conceded in each of their last eight matches.
- Seven of Newcastle’s last eight games have seen over two goals scored.
- Fulham have also conceded in each of their last four fixtures.
- Both teams have scored in four of Fulham’s last five matches.
- These teams have never met in the English League Cup before.
- Their most recent Premier League clash ended in a 2-1 win for Newcastle.
Probable lineups
- Newcastle: Ramsdale - Livramento, Schär, Thiaw, Hall - Tonali, Willock, Ramsey - Elanga, Barnes, Woltemade
- Fulham: Lecomte - Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Bassey - Reed, Cairney, King - Traoré, Kevin, Jiménez
Prediction
Matches featuring Newcastle and Fulham this season have often been high-scoring affairs. Both sides boast potent attacks but have shown vulnerabilities at the back. That’s why there’s every reason to expect a healthy number of goals here. Even with the added pressure of a cup semi-final spot on the line—which might normally prompt caution—both teams should still create plenty of chances. My prediction: over 2.5 goals.
