3 huge Championship clashes to keep an eye on this weekend

Newcastle United vs Fulham

Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle are on course for an immediate return to the Premier League having picked up seven points from nine against sides in the top five of the Championship in the last few weeks.

The Magpies won at second place Brighton last week before brushing aside third place Huddersfield 3-1 last weekend, and they then picked up a 0-0 draw at fifth place Reading in midweek to go nine points clear of the Terriers, and three clear of Hughton’s Brighton.

Their success this term has been built on a stunning away record, which has seen them pick up 42 points on the road, ten better than the next best Brighton, and that will give Fulham fans hope ahead of their trip to St James’ Park on Saturday.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s men are seventh in the table and just five points off the top six after four wins and two draws in their last six matches, and they have lost just two of their last eight games on the road.

The Cottagers have the third best away record in the division, and with Newcastle having lost four times at home this term, Jokanovic’s men will be confident of getting a result in the North East on Saturday.