Anthony Gordon to play as striker as £12m man starts - Our predicted Newcastle XI to face Fulham

Newcastle United head to Craven Cottage on Saturday for a 3pm Saturday kick-off against Fulham in the Premier League.

Under Eddie Howe the Magpies have a 100% win record at Craven Cottage which they'll be hoping to extend, however, there are doubts over the fitness of £63 million striker Alexander Isak which leaves Howe with a huge call to make.

Based on Howe's press conference on Friday morning we're leaning towards Isak not starting tomorrow - you can never tell with Howe but we're operating on the assumption that Isak won't be fit to start.

We debated this lineup a lot and normally I'd ignore everyone and stick to my original idea, but in this instance, I'm going with someone else's idea and I absolutely will mention it I end up being right and they're wrong.

Goalkeeper

Nick Pope - Pope pulled off some important stops against Wolves on Sunday proving yet again why he's first-choice.

Defence

Kieran Trippier - There was much debate in the office between Tripps and Tino Livramento but the solidity Tripps provides sees the £12 million signing get the nod.

Fabian Schar - Scored a worldie on Sunday (via a deflection) and has to keep his spot as long as he's fit and not suspended, obviously.

Dan Burn - Still yet to give us a real reason to drop him even though he was beaten for pace for Wolves' goal on Sunday.

Lloyd Kelly - Another one that was up for debate. Kelly is definitely the better defender out of him and Lewis Hall, but Hall offers more going forward - even though Kelly has got himself an assist already this season. 50/50 on this one.

Midfield

Sean Longstaff - This wouldn't be my call but I can absolutely see it being Eddie Howe's, but we all know it should be Sandro Tonali.

Bruno Guimaraes (c) - Captain Bruno is relishing his new role. He was already pretty much un-droppable but now even more so.

Joelinton - Big Joe is having a very mixed season so far, probably more bad than good, and being hooked at half time on Sunday is proof of that, but you can never count Joey out.

Forwards

Jacob Murphy - Murph still looks to be in favour over Miguel Almiron despite some shocking displays this season, but he'll start again in the absence of Alexander Isak.

Anthony Gordon - With Isak injured we believe Howe will throw Gordon on as centre-forward as he's not ready to give Will Osula the responsibility.

Harvey Barnes - Barnes has earned his spot in the starting lineup but he gets this one due to Gordon playing out of position rather than on merit. Ideally, Barnes, Gordon and Isak would start together, but Howe doesn't seem to agree.

It's so much more fun doing these when the team doesn't pick itself like it did for much of last season, but the score for error is huge.

We wonder if Will Osula will finally get to make his debut tomorrow from the bench, or if Isak is fit enough to play some part.

Whatever the lineup, we've got this! Howay Eddie Howe's Who Needs Strikers Anyway? Mags!