Squad sheets: Newcastle United v Fulham

Joey Barton's midweek misdemeanour against Blackburn Rovers was the latest needless distraction from a largely excellent start to the season for Newcastle. The midfielder has been a key component of Chris Hughton's side and will be sorely missed. Fulham's away record – no Premier League win in 15 months – remains an embarrassment but they will hope to take advantage of Newcastle's frailties at home. This is the one ground where the Cottagers have flourished in recent years, winning on three of their last five visits. John Stanton Venue St James' Park, Saturday 3pm Tickets £25-36 (0844 372 1892) Last season n/a Referee L Probert This season's matches 8 Y 22, R 4, 3.25 cards per game Odds Newcastle 10-11 Fulham 10-3 Draw 5-2 Newcastle Subs from Soderberg, Ameobi, Xisco, Campbell, Guthrie, Lovenkrands, Simpson, R Taylor, Ranger, S Taylor Doubtful Ameobi (hamstring), Best (ankle), Perch (ankle), R Taylor (foot) Injured Harper (shoulder, Dec), Ben Arfa (broken leg, Jan), Gosling (knee, Jan) Suspended Barton (first of three) Form guide LWWWDL Disciplinary record Y27 R0 Leading scorers Carroll, Nolan 7 Fulham Subs from Stockdale, A Johnson, Gera, Kamara, Riise, E Johnson, Dikgacoi, Greening, Halliche, Elm, Pantsil Doubtful None Injured Baird (hip, 21 Nov), Salcido (knee, Dec), Senderos (calf, Feb), Zamora (broken leg, Feb), Stoor (groin, unknown) Suspended None Form guide LDWLLD Disciplinary record Y14 R0 Leading scorer Dempsey 4 Match pointers • Newcastle have won one of their last five top-flight home meetings with Fulham • Fulham are without a win in their last 24 Premier League away matches • Newcastle have not kept a clean sheet at St James' Park in seven attempts since beating Aston Villa 6-0 in their first home match of the season • Brede Hangeland scored the latest goal of the season so far (94min 41sec) against Aston Villa • All four of Joey Barton's assists in the league this season have been to set up a headed goal for Andy Carroll