Fulham are searching for their first win in five Premiership games when Newcastle United visit Craven Cottage for this weekend's Premiership clash. The Cottagers met with heavy defeats at Manchester United and Everton in their last two Premiership encounters.

Everton trashed Fulham in their last Premiership game thanks to a hat trick from Ayegbeni Yakubu. Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez is aware that unless results materialize soon, his team could end up in the Championship next year.

Midfielder Alexey Smertin missed the last game due to a muscle issue and it is unclear if he will be fit for the Newcastle clash. Moritz Volz could make a comeback in this game following his recovery from shoulder, groin and foot problems.

However injury worries are aplenty for Fulham as Phillipe Christanval, Kasey Keller, Lee Cook, Ian Pearce, Brian McBride and Jimmy Bullard continue to battle a variety of injuries. Fulham are hovering just above the relegation zone on the 17th spot with 13 points from 16 matches.

Newcastle United are in the midst of a mini-revival. Following their 1-1 draw with Arsenal, the Magpies have strengthened the position of manager Sam Allardyce with a 2-1 win at St James' Park over Birmingham City.

Meanwhile Newcastle have released Celestine Babayaro from his contract. The injured Babayaro's term was to expire at the end of the season. In some good news for Allardyce, Michael Owen is targeting a return to active football in the clash against Derby County.

Owen, who has not played since tearing a thigh muscle in England's friendly over Austria last month, could prove vital for Newcastle as Obafemi Martins will be away for up to six weeks in the African Nations Cup.

Newcastle are 11th on the Premiership table with 22 points from 16 games. Last season Fulham had emerged 2-1 winners in this fixture. Watch Fulham vs Newcastle Live on free-football.tv.