Newcastle vs Fulham prediction 17.12.2025 | EFL Cup

Newcastle’s league form has been inconsistent: they currently sit mid-table in 12th place and have struggled to find the right balance between domestic and European commitments. To compound matters, the Magpies suffered a derby defeat at the weekend, losing 1-0 to arch-rivals Sunderland, who were promoted back to the Premier League this season for the first time since 2017. That result ended a run of four unbeaten league matches, while in the Champions League Newcastle failed to win either of their recent fixtures against Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen.

From a League Cup perspective, the draw has been favourable for Newcastle, as this will be their third successive home tie at St James’ Park, having already eliminated Bradford City and Tottenham in earlier rounds. Crucially, however, defender Dan Burn suffered a fractured rib and lung damage in the recent derby, an absence that removes a key aerial and set-piece presence from Eddie Howe’s options and forces a reshuffle in central defence.

Fulham have experienced a mixed Premier League season but maintain a slightly higher attacking conversion rate than Newcastle. Marco Silva’s side sit one place below their hosts in 13th, yet their defensive record has been inferior, with 26 goals conceded in 16 league matches - a factor that has hindered their ability to collect more points. In the League Cup, Fulham entered a round earlier as the lower-ranked side and overcame Bristol City, Cambridge United and Wycombe Wanderers to reach this stage.

Fulham continue to pose a threat from set pieces and fast breaks, with Harry Wilson and Emile Smith Rowe among the regular contributors in cup competitions. Their squad depth has been sufficient to compete on two fronts, and their away form has yielded points this season. However, clean sheets remain scarce - roughly one in five matches - suggesting Fulham will press high but remain vulnerable to counter-attacks.