Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has said he retains faith in his goal-shy strikers but insists they must work on their killer instinct to help the side get back on track.
The lack of goals from forwards this season has been a major issue for Newcastle, and Jaissle suggested that unless it changes, the defensive strain it places on the team is not a sustainable way to stem the current run of results.
Strikers urged to sharpen finishing
Will Osula and Yoane Wissa have only one goal between them this term, while Matias Fernandez-Pardo is yet to score. Jaissle, however, believes it is simply a case of their luck turning in front of goal.
"I think they know it by themselves," Jaissle added. "I don't even need to mention a striker needs to be always aware of every situation. When there's anything just coming in the penalty area or the box, I need to be there as a striker. I need to have that nose, that feeling that something is dropping for a second ball or there is a cross possible that I am there."
"They know it, they work hard on that and they work hard on their finishes. We can be for sure more efficient and hopefully in the future we see that progress."
Late chances against Everton
Newcastle took until the 85th minute to register a shot on target against Everton on Monday night, with Wissa threatening late on after coming on as a second-half substitute.
The DR Congo international had a sharp late chance to steal a point but was denied by Jordan Pickford's legs, leaving him with just the strike against Spurs earlier this season. Osula, meanwhile, was starved of service during the first period, with too many long balls fired at his head.
Whichever of the duo leads the line against Fulham will know they must start delivering goals, with both men wasting chances in the Carabao Cup tie last week.
Fernandez-Pardo close to return
Fernandez-Pardo's potential return after illness will give Jaissle another option from the bench. The £51m man has been struggling with a virus but looks set to be back in the squad for the trip to the capital, although the Newcastle boss was playing his cards close to his chest.
"I mentioned in the last press conference he got a really heavy virus and was out for more than two weeks and had a big impact," Jaissle said. "He is training with us again and we need to see against Fulham how he is really in a physical state."
