NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Harper, Beye, Taylor, Bassong, Duff, Guthrie, Butt, Nolan, Gutierrez, Owen, Viduka

FULHAM (4-4-2): Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Dempsey, Etuhu, Murphy, Gera, Johnson, Zamora.

Newcastle subs (from): Forster, Edgar, Coloccini, Geremi, R Taylor, Lovenkrands, Smith, Martins, Carroll, Xisco.

Fulham subs (from): Zuberbuhler, Dacourt, Nevland, Kamara, Gray, Stoor, Baird.

NEWCASTLE: Alan Shearer is set to name an unchanged starting line-up following Monday’s crucial derby win over Middlesbrough. Obafemi Martins trained today, but a groin injury is likely to restrict the Nigerian to a place on the substitutes’ bench despite his goalscoring intervention five days ago. Alan Smith also trained today after shaking off a thigh problem, but the former Leeds midfielder will not force his way back into the starting line-up. Damien Duff will continue to fill in at left-back, as Jose Enrique is once again missing because of a hamstring injury.

Suspensions: Barton

Injuries: Enrique (hamstring), Kadar (leg), Gonzalez (Achilles)

Last five league games: WLDLD

Leading league scorer: Owen, Martins 8

Next game: vs Aston Villa (A) 24/05/09

FULHAM: Roy Hodgson received a double boost this week when Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora both returned to training following injury. The strike duo missed last weekend’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa, but both players are expected to return against the Magpies. That would mean Erik Nevland and Diomansy Kamara dropping to the bench despite the latter bagging a brace last weekend. Giles Barnes is nearing full fitness, but an Achilles problem is expected to keep the former Derby midfielder on the sidelines.

Suspensions: None

Injuries: Barnes (Achilles), Davies (foot)

Last five league games: WLWDW

Leading league scorer: Dempsey, Johnson 7

Key Player: Danny Murphy – The former Liverpool midfielder has enjoyed a new lease of life in a deeper role this season.

Last season: 2-0

League head to head: Newcastle 19, Fulham 22, Draws 12

Referee: Howard Webb (Rotherham) G44 Y137 R5 Ave: 3.23

Last Newcastle game: vs Hull (A) 14/03/09 D1-1Y6 R0

Odds: H10/11; A29/10; D5/2

It’s a fact: Despite their positions in the league, Newcastle have actually scored more Premier League goals than Fulham this season.

Comment by SCOTT WILSON: A win could see Newcastle safe, but Fulham are a better side than Middlesbrough and the Magpies could still be sweating next weekend.

Prediction: 1-1