Newcastle United and Fulham are set to meet at St James’ Park in a compelling EFL Cup quarter-final clash on Wednesday evening. The Magpies are eager to defend their title. They will look to bounce back after recent inconsistent form in league action.
Fulham are arriving determined to make history. They’ve never won this competition, and will aim to continue their steady cup run. Both Premier League sides are closely matched in the league table. Both will want momentum heading into the winter break.
Ready for Quarter-Final action. 🎬 pic.twitter.com/9lgu1hLgTQ
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 17, 2025
Newcastle’s injury list is significant. Dan Burn has been ruled out for several weeks due to a fractured rib and punctured lung. Whereas, Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman remain sidelined with fitness issues. Nick Pope is also out with a groin problem.
But Jamaal Lascelles has returned to training and could feature. Eddie Howe is expected to rotate his squad. He could hand attacking opportunities to players like Yoane Wissa, who could make his first full start following substitute appearances. Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton should control the midfield if selected.
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Fulham are without several key players due to injury and Africa Cup of Nations commitments. Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon are sidelined with thigh injuries. Whereas, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi are away at AFCON.
Marco Silva is likely to name a strong side despite these absences. Although options in attack and defence will be trimmed. Harry Wilson, Fulham’s top scorer this season, and Raul Jimenez should spearhead the visitors’ offensive efforts.
The over 2.5 goals line is backed by attacking trends from both sides. Newcastle’s recent matches across all competitions have seen a healthy goals average. Fulham are also contributing offensively despite defensive inconsistencies.
Stats show that both teams score and concede regularly. And prior head-to-head clashes frequently produce multiple goals. Newcastle’s home advantage further supports an open game as the Magpies seek to assert themselves early. Fulham are also expected to push for opportunities on the break.
Nick Woltemade remains part of Newcastle’s attacking unit. Despite a difficult moment in the recent derby where he scored an own goal, he has the positional profile to get forward and trouble Fulham’s defence. With Yoane Wissa pushing for a start, Woltemade may benefit from spaces created by another striker’s movement. Betting markets have recognised his potential as a threat in this game. So, backing him at +105 reflects his involvement in Newcastle’s forward play when selected.
Yoane Wissa could be a key figure in this cup tie if given a starting role. After several substitute appearances, Wissa could get a full debut in this cup match. He offers a direct attacking threat in the final third. Analysts note that his physicality and ability to link play make him a solid bet to influence the game with either a goal or assist. Especially if he starts alongside or in place of Woltemade. Wissa’s involvement in goal-creating situations justifies backing him in anytime contribution markets.
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Newcastle have extra motivation to defend their EFL Cup crown. That, along with their stronger home form in recent fixtures, they are favoured to edge this quarter-final. Fulham have shown they can score. However, defensive lapses and squad disruptions due to AFCON weaken their consistency.
Newcastle’s attacking outlets, including Murphy, Wissa or Woltemade, should find chances against a stretched Fulham backline. Combined with home support and a desire to rebound from their derby defeat, a 3-1 win for Newcastle seems most probable, projecting a game with goals at both ends.
soccer Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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