Alan Shearer calls on Eddie Howe to start 'exciting' player for Fulham vs Newcastle United

Alan Shearer has called for a certain Newcastle United player to start against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday. The Cottagers have accumulated five points so far, while Newcastle are flying, racking up 10 points from a possible 12 so far.

The Magpies remain unbeaten and will be looking to keep that record in place throughout their visit to the capital. Fulham were unlucky last weekend when they conceded a stoppage tie equaliser against West ham, leaving a sour taste in their mouths ahead of this one.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are sweating over injury issues with Alexander Isak a doubt and with Callum Wilson still out with a back injury, leaving them short up front. That has led to calls from Shearer for Eddie Howe to install more creativity in the frontline by starting winger Harvey Barnes at the Cottage.

“This will be a tough game for Newcastle,” Shearer told Metro in his predictions for the weekend. “We’ll see if Eddie decides to bring Harvey Barnes in from the start which would be exciting to watch as a front three with Gordon and Isak. But Fulham are decent and up front, they do have some quality now. I’ll go for a draw.” Barnes has started just one of Newcastle’s Premier League games so far this season.

Howe said of Barnes recently: "Harvey has a real coolness in front of goal. He has this way (how) he strikes the ball, his positioning is very good. You don’t score the amount of goals he does if you are not in the right areas. He is a really humble lad and he is prepared to work for the team. I am delighted with how he has started the season."

Howe on injuries

Howe has said of Isak’s situation: “The ball grazed his eye and we felt, at that time, that was the main reason for him coming off the pitch then we found he had a knock on his foot so he's got a combination of the two. We will find out more today and make a decision on him.”

As for Wilson, he added: “Callum won't make the (Fulham) game. We're looking with Callum to be the next international break to have him back in full training. That leaves Anthony (Gordon), who did a really good job for us against Wolves, and Will Osula who has done really well since he's been with us.”