Sutton's predictions: Fulham v Newcastlepublished at 11:17 21 September
11:17 21 September
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.
For week five, he takes on singer-songwriter and West Ham fan James Smith whose debut album Common People is out now.
On Saturday, Fulham welcome Newcastle to Craven Cottage (15:00 BST).
Sutton's prediction: 1-1
Fulham won nine and lost eight of their 19 home Premier League games last season, but I always fancied them to win at Craven Cottage.
They should have beaten West Ham there last weekend, when they had chances to go further ahead before Danny Ings' 95th-minute equaliser for the Hammers.
Newcastle are still a bit of an unknown quantity for me because I can't say I've been particularly impressed by them so far.
Eventually, Eddie Howe's side are going to come a cropper, but at the moment they are finding a way to win games, even if they are relying on moments of brilliance by individual players rather than playing well as a team.
'Newcastle are flying high - but things still haven't clicked yet'published at 20:06 20 September
20:06 20 September
Joe Nelson BBC Sport journalist
If you looked at the Premier League table and see Newcastle United sitting in third, unbeaten in their past four matches, you could be forgiven for assuming the Magpies have been at their free-flowing best at the start of 2024-25.
That hasn't quite been the case, but the resilience that was present in the 2022-23 season, when Eddie Howe's side finished fourth in the table, has returned.
The goals are yet to start flowing but Newcastle are simply finding ways to win. That could be worth its weight in gold come the end of the season, but fans will be keen for things to start clicking sooner rather than later.
Craven Cottage is the destination for Howe's men on Saturday, for a 15:00 BST kick-off against a Fulham side who, like themselves, haven't blown teams away but fight for every ball.
The start of the win at Wolves last weekend was more like the Newcastle that fans have come to know and love and, after Fabian Schar's equaliser rejuvenated the Magpies, it was more of the same.
That part in the middle, though, was less than ideal.
Howe has called for consistency and Saturday could be the match when everything flows for Newcastle from minute one to minute 90.
Sandro Tonali's return greatly helped that performance, as did the introduction of similarly energetic midfielder Joe Willock, and both could stake a claim for a start in the capital.
Harvey Barnes was the scorer of the wonderful winner and equally could be in the line-up at Craven Cottage.
Newcastle have threatened to put in devastating performances like the high-scoring matches of last season in the first four of this campaign, but will Saturday be the day that happens?
What is for sure, though, is 10 points on the board from four matches and the opportunity to go top of the table on Saturday (before Manchester City and Arsenal play on Sunday) is beyond the expectations even the most optimistic Geordies will have had at the start of the campaign.
Howe on Isak's fitness, striker options and 'great motivation' to go toppublished at 10:50 20 September
10:50 20 September
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game away to Fulham (15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Howe will "make a decision today" on whether Alexander Isak is fit to face Fulham after suffering an eye injury and knock to his foot in last weekend's win at Wolves.
Fellow striker Callum Wilson is not fit for the trip to London however, with Howe "hoping to have him back" in full training during the international break. Lewis Miley is "back on the grass" but still "a long way off" a return.
Even if Isak is not available, Howe is happy with his options: "That leaves Anthony [Gordon], who did a really good job against Wolves, and Will Osula, who has done really well since he's been with us. I know he hasn't played any minutes yet but we've been delighted with his progress. He's got all the tools so we feel we've got good cover."
On the fine recent form of Harvey Barnes: "Starting regularly is up to him. There is no guarantee. Harvey has a real coolness in front of goal. He has this way he strikes the ball and his positioning is very good. I am delighted with how he has started the season."
On the chance to go top of the Premier League with a win: "I only found that out this morning. It would be nice [and] it's a great motivation for us. It means nothing because it's so early [in the season] but it's where we want to be."
Howe said Sandro Tonali is in "a much better place": "The international games really helped him. He’s certainly pushing to start but I want everyone pushing to start. He was very good against Wolves."
How close are the Magpies to "clicking"?: "Hopefully very close. There are a lot of games when you're not in 'fifth gear' or whatever bracket you put it in, but you can still win games in third and fourth, and that's what we didn't do well enough last year."
'Players need to be listened to'published at 08:05 20 September
08:05 20 September
The issue around the footballing calendar and the demands being placed on players right now is a difficult one.
First, we need to take into consideration the really high demands on the body that go on all-year round with few breaks, especially for international footballers and those in teams competing on multiple fronts.
I know the men's and the women's games are different, but we got exposed to these issues when we went from amateur to professional. There was a lot of loading, a lot of games and the result of that was a higher risk of injury and we have seen a lot of anterior cruciate ligament injuries now in the women's game.
From the fans' side, their point is often that players get paid a lot of money but I think that is irrelevant. That is just the industry players are in and, if you take out the money, they are still human beings.
The governing bodies need to look at who they consult with about changes in the calendar such as World Cups being held in winter and summers where there is just a couple of weeks off before going straight back into it. The changes and fixtures that are put in are there to generate more money, which makes it difficult. As a business, it is about money.
We talk about mental health a lot and you wonder, where is the time to switch off and have that time away from playing? To have that family time which is a deep human need? At some point mentally, if not physically, it will take its toll.
None of us want to see players striking, but players need to be listened to. What do they need to do to make change happen?
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
Gossip: Magpies monitor 'next Haaland'published at 07:06 20 September
Meanwhile, Magpies midfielder Joelinton, 28, wants to end his career in his native Brazil but remains committed to the Magpies for now. (Chronicle), external
What is nobody talking about at Newcastle?published at 17:03 19 September
17:03 19 September
We asked for your views on the one thing - good or bad - related to Newcastle that nobody else is talking about.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Liam: A big looming issue is the sheer amount of players whose contracts are expiring in June and the potential failure to sell the ones that we don't want. None of them will bring in huge fees but, with profit and sustainability rules meaning that every penny counts, letting them leave for nothing is questionable at best.
Vkay: Eddie Howe deserves, and should have, all the support he requires. If he leaves the club, the current regime will be to blame. It will be no better than Mike Ashley. Bring back Amanda Staveley - she understood what the supporters required the club to aspire to and what a breath of fresh air and joy she gave the supporters.
Ken: Why did Amanda Staveley really leave? If she was forced out, it was a bad move on behalf of the club.
Bri: Tino Livramento isn't the player we thought he might be. He is weak defensively and has nowhere near Kieran Trippier's ability going forward. If the latter is staying, he still needs to be playing. I'm also not convinced Sven Botman will ever be as good as he was in his debut season. He was dreadful last year, admittedly carrying an injury, so I hope I'm wrong.
Neil: The lack of cover at centre-half. With Botman and Jamaal Lascelles injured until next year, what happens if we lose Burn or Schar for a couple of months? Emil Krafth covered for three matches but how fair is it to expect a right-back to cover for a protracted period, with Lloyd Kelly needed at left-back? It's not ideal. We need to look at the free agents available.
Did you know?published at 15:59 19 September
15:59 19 September
None of Fulham’s 16 Premier League home games against Newcastle have finished level, with the Cottagers winning nine and losing seven. The only fixture to be played more without being drawn in the competition’s history is Everton v Fulham at Goodison Park (17).
'Bobby came in and turned us around'published at 13:09 19 September
13:09 19 September
It is 25 years since Sir Bobby Robson took charge of his first home game for Newcastle.
Daniel: Bobby came in and turned us around. The 8-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday right at the start really set us off. From looking like a side going down, to qualifying for the Champions League within what, 18 months? That shows the class of Sir Bobby. A gentleman that loved Newcastle. One of the very best.
Ross: Craig Bellamy's last-gasp winner away to Feyenood - what a night we had in Rotterdam after that.
Ben: 8-0 first home game, Champions League, breaking the London jinx, getting to the FA Cup semi-final and getting to the Uefa Cup semi-final.
Jonathon: 8-0, then going top at Arsenal, and the Feyenoord game instantly spring to mind.
Michael: EIGHT NOWT v Sheffield Wednesday on the day of his first home games as manager. Later on, meeting him along with my eldest daughter at Newcastle 's WH Smith on Northumberland Street on a sunny Saturday afternoon in the close season. Marvellous.
Gossip: Magpies target Chelsea youngster Acheampongpublished at 07:40 19 September
What is the one thing nobody is talking about but should be?published at 17:11 18 September
17:11 18 September
Despite a transfer window many considered underwhelming, Newcastle are one of only five teams yet to lose a Premier League match, and a closely fought win at Nottingham Forest means a Carabao Cup run is still on the cards.
But when it comes to the Magpies, what is the one thing nobody is talking about but should be - good or bad?
'I have doubts about him' - Andersonpublished at 08:32 18 September
08:32 18 September
"Holes" in Lewis Hall's defensive game "have been there for everyone to see", says former Newcastle United defender John Anderson.
Hall joined the Magpies from Chelsea on loan in August 2023, before completing a permanent move this summer.
However, the 20-year-old left-back has struggled to secure a regular spot in Eddie Howe's side since making his debut nearly 12 months ago, playing 22 times in the Premier League but starting just 10 games.
"I have doubts about him from a defensive point of view," Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle. "Some of the positions he takes up aren't great.
"I think it is mainly the case that he isn't defensive minded. He wants to get on the ball, he wants to get forward, he wants to join in, which I know is your modern day full-back and I appreciate that, but when it comes to defending you have got to do it.
"You have to be in the right areas, you can't leave holes in behind you and, in the games he has played this season, they have been there for everyone to see.
"He is still 20 years of age but whether he sees his future long-term as a full-back or not, I don't know.
"The boy can play the game, there is no doubt about it, I just feel defensively, he doesn't think defensively. All his thoughts are about getting forward and joining in and when it is coming the other way, he doesn't think 'danger'."
Gossip: Magpies could move for 'unhappy' Sanepublished at 07:48 18 September
07:48 18 September
Newcastle and Arsenal could move for Germany winger Leroy Sane, 28, who is reportedly unhappy at Bayern Munich.(Caught Offside), external
The Magpies are among a host of Premier League clubs interested in Lille's 24-year-old England midfielder Angel Gomes, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Football Insider), external
'Grinding out ugly wins is our new identity'published at 12:32 17 September
12:32 17 September
Charlotte Robson Fan writer
Take a look at the Premier League table - go on, I'll wait - and tell me what you see. That’s right, it’s Newcastle United sitting pretty at third with an unbeaten start to the season.
Some might say pride comes before a fall and, true though that may be, let us have this. Last season was so hard. Please let me gloat a little.
What is most interesting to me about our unbeaten run and good start to the season is that it actually... hasn’t been that good.
It is our best start on paper since 1995-96 and, of course, ultimately results speak the loudest. But watching Newcastle for the first four games this season (plus one cup game) hasn’t been the easiest.
Are we seeing a pattern? When Eddie Howe took over, it was said that "intensity is our identity". Last season, it felt more like inconsistency was our identity. Now it is looking like grinding out ugly wins is our identity. Definitely a less catchy one, that one.
Even the players are being asked about it. Post-match on Sunday they were asked if they could play better. Yes, was the obvious answer, and that is definitely how the fans feel.
The slight irritation that comes when watching us concede is simply that we know we can do better - we want to see our team cruise this after such a tough season last time.
Perhaps it is more useful to call it frustration as often the performance seems to have come down to team selection in the first place.
We made three substitutions at half time against Wolves - incredibly unusual from Howe - and after that, were able to play in a much more direct way resulting in two beautiful goals.
So, ugly wins but beautiful goals. There’s some poetry in that. I’ll take it, for now.
Gossip: Everton boss Dyche could poach Popepublished at 07:47 17 September
07:47 17 September
Everton boss Sean Dyche is considering a shock move for Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope to replace fellow England international Jordan Pickford. (Mirror), external
McNulty Q&A: Are Newcastle top-four contenders? published at 17:25 16 September
17:25 16 September
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
A Newcastle related question was put to chief footballer writer Phil McNulty in Monday's Q&A.
Finley asked: Do you believe Newcastle’s early season form, even without playing at their best, suggests they are strong Champions League contenders again this season?
Phil answered: It has been an excellent start for Eddie Howe’s team, Finley, and while I think the top three places will still be Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool (in that order) I do still think there is an opportunity for fourth for the chasing pack – and while I picked Newcastle to finish ninth they can still force their way in there.
There has been lots of talk about what Newcastle haven’t got after a disappointing transfer window when sporting director Paul Mitchell failed to deliver Crystal Palace’s England defender Marc Guehi or any other key signings, but it is also well worth remembering they still have some very fine players.
Alexander Isak is a high-class striker while Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes – who has produced real touches of class to score against Spurs and Wolves – provide genuine quality out wide. The return of Sandro Tonali from suspension is also an upgrade for last season’s squad, when he missed most of the campaign.
I still have Newcastle as outsiders to make the top four, I have a fancy for Aston Villa, but there is absolutely no reason why they should not set their sights on it because there is a little gap in that particular market.
A 'massive' win - Scharpublished at 15:10 16 September
15:10 16 September
Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle after the Magpies' second-half come-back against Wolves on Sunday.
Schar brought Newcastle back level with Wolves in the 75th minute but it was an outstanding strike from Harvey Barnes that gave Newcastle the three points.
Schar said: "When you're 1-0 down away from home after half-time and come back, it's always a great achievement.
"Big credit to the team. Big win".
This was Schar's first game back having served a three-match suspension.
He said: "I was hungry to play and desperate to be on the pitch again."
And speaking about team-mate Barnes' goal, Schar said: "It was even better than mine, I have to say. Great goal. I'm really pleased for him and the whole team."
Schar described the result as a "massive" win as the Magpies extended their unbeaten start.
"It's been a great start, we're happy with the first few games," he added.
"I think we know that we can perform a lot better, but most important are the results and I think that if we can improve the performances as well, we have lots to achieve. So, we can build on the first four, five games and keep going."
Wolves 1-2 Newcastle - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:44 16 September
08:44 16 September
We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Wolves and Newcastle.
Here are some of your comments:
Wolves fans
Duane So full of hope after the first half. We had chances to kill it but were undone by two sucker punches. We really need to find that ability to push on in winning positions. If we don't, by the time the easier matches come we will be totally devoid of confidence.
Chris: I had fears when I saw the teamsheet. I thought that, except for Cunha, Dawson, Semedo and Ait-Nori, our strongest team was on the bench. Schoolboy errors in defending by failing to cover the long-range shooter. This is the result of selling your best players and not giving the new men time to bed in.
John: Far too easy for Newcastle. Get rid of O'Neil before it's too late.
Newcastle fans
Andy: Seemed better in the early stages of the first half that we had played all season. Then the rot set in again and we lost the control and allowed Wolves to cause us problems. Barnes and Tonali changed the game. Longstaff should only ever be a sub - he hasn't got what it takes at the level we need to press forward.
Mark: Early on, we dominated without a clear threat. Lucky only to concede one. Late on, we stretched their defence well, without getting down the sides to feed in crosses. In the end, two well-taken shots from the edge of the box were the difference. The defensive structure is working well for now but may come under pressure against top-four contenders.
Joe: We got lucky. We haven’t been the better team in a single game this season. If Eddie Howe doesn’t sort it before his luck runs out, both he and the club could be in big trouble.
Catch up on the Premier League actionpublished at 07:32 16 September
07:32 16 September
Highlights and analysis from Sunday's two Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from Saturday's games.
Gossip: Newcastle keeping tabs on Sanepublished at 07:09 16 September
07:09 16 September
Newcastle United are tracking 28-year-old Bayern Munich and Germany winger Leroy Sane, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Football Insider), external