Newcastle United travel to Fulham on Saturday with an unusual record: they have won every game they have played in London this season and have not conceded a single goal in those matches. The wins came 2-0 at both Spurs and Crystal Palace in the Premier League, and 1-0 at Millwall in the Carabao Cup.
Those results stand in contrast to heavy defeats at Leeds, Coventry and Everton, where United conceded 11 goals in three matches. Despite the strong away record, the visit to Craven Cottage is seen as a difficult test, with the law of averages a concern for a side that has been struggling recently.
Fulham form and mounting pressure
Fulham are involved in a relegation battle, but Alvaro Arbeloa has overseen an improvement, with the Cottagers taking seven points from their last three games. Newcastle, meanwhile, have been losing regularly and face a demanding run of fixtures including Arsenal, Brighton and a derby against Sunderland.
A defeat to rock-bottom Sunderland at the start of next month could end Matthias Jaissle's time at the club in the eyes of supporters, just as two derby defeats did for Eddie Howe last season. The team is described as lacking a clear plan, belief and strong guidance, with leaders hard to find.
Jaissle's challenge and Keegan's legacy
Jaissle has gone from "rock star to rocky road" according to columnist John Gibson, facing the greatest test of his young managerial career. Doubts are forming among players, including over summer recruitment by Ross Wilson and his team, which has left the squad exposed against physical opponents. Average sides are beating Newcastle, which is the biggest worry.
The week also marks the posthumous award of the Freedom of the City to Kevin Keegan, Newcastle's most entertaining manager and a former Fulham boss who led them to promotion in the late nineties. Keegan's Entertainers remain the benchmark for attacking football at St James' Park, a standard supporters hope the current side can one day approach.
