" FULHAM v NEWCASTLE TONIGHT "

BBC


Rafael Benitez's Newcastle United begin life back in the EFL with a trip to west London to face Fulham.

The Magpies are among the favourites to seal an immediate return to the top flight, with Dwight Gayle and Matt Ritchie among eight summer arrivals.

Fulham saw Moussa Dembele and Ross McCormack, who scored 40 goals between them in 2015-16 depart this summer.

Centre-back Tomas Kalas and forward Sone Aluko are among seven signings set for their debuts.

The Whites finished 20th in the Championship table last season, 11 points above the relegation zone.

Analysis

BBC Radio London's Phil Parry:

"With Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic saying he is lacking 'four or five experienced players', it will be difficult to assess their chances until the end of the transfer window.

"The Serb has strengthened the Whites' defence over the summer but now needs to add goals to the side following the departure of Ross McCormack.

"Playing Newcastle, who look strong contenders for promotion, in the opening game may look tough but it could be a chance for Fulham to catch the Magpies cold."

Match Facts

- The home side has won the last seven meetings between these sides, with four of those for Fulham at Craven Cottage.

- Newcastle have kept just one clean sheet in their last 25 away league games versus Fulham - a 1-0 win in December 2007. They've lost the last five since then.

- Fulham have lost just one of their previous seven opening day games (W3 D3), keeping five clean sheets during that time.

- Newcastle have won just one of their last eight season openers (D4 L3), but this will be their first in the second tier since 2009 (1-1 v West Brom).

- The Whites both scored and conceded in 33 of their league games last season, the joint-highest number in the top four tiers of English football (level with Morecambe).

I'd love Newcastle to get off to a rocky start. I have respect for their fans but it will make the season more interesting than if they just walk it.

BENITEZ PLEASED WITH SIGNINGS

Newcastle get the Championship season underway tonight when they face Fulham and, ahead of the game, we have been speaking exclusively to manager Rafa Benitez.



"You have to react quickly and I was really pleased in terms of the players we were bringing in and the way we were doing business because almost nobody knew we were signing the players.

"The relationship with Lee Charnley [Newcastle managing director] and the way we are doing business is quite good. We did well and I am happy with that.

"The prices now are a bit high and the market is a bit crazy. It's important to keep the communication with [Lee Charnley] and go for the right players at the right time.

"Sometimes you have to pay a little bit more, but we don't pay too much. We are building a good squad; a mix of players with experience in the Championship and young players that can grow."

1-0 Fulham! Matt Smith.

HT 1-0 .

Half time in the first match of the season

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Fulham win 1-0 to open the season

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Well if ever we needed a reminder that anyone can beat anyone in this league, this was it. Newcastle got screwed on two penalty calls, but ultimately just weren't ruthless enough. I think this defeat will probably help them in the long run though.

Not much evidence there that Newcastle will walk the league!

Predictable result.
I usually put a bet on the biggest club to come down to lose the first game and it usually comes in. Shame I didn't get a chance tonight.

Not much evidence there that Newcastle will walk the league!

it's not going to be the walk in the park they all think