Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes that Newcastle’s robustness, experience and their physical strength will be crucial in them winning promotion to the Premier League this season.
The Serbian guided his team to a 3-1 win over Newcastle at the weekend but he is convinced that Rafa Benitez’s side will be promoted this campaign despite his side recording a deserved victory at St James’ Park. Jokanovic was quoted by the Chronicle as saying:
“I believe Newcastle will be a Premier League team. They play a different style of football; they are physical and a very strong team. We expected they were going to try to attack behind the full-backs, we avoided this kind of situation. After 36 games, I am going to be really surprised if Newcastle don’t play in the Premier League.”
With nine games left to go, the Magpies lead Brighton on goal difference at the top of the Championship table. Huddersfield Town are however hot on the heels of the top two.
The Terriers are currently six points behind but they do have a game in hand which could prove crucial. They do however have a relatively difficult run in with matches against Norwich City, Derby County and Fulham still to come.
David Wagner’s side will play their next match before Newcastle when they face relegation threatened Bristol City on Friday night. The Magpies face Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon.
