Alan Shearer believes Newcastle United will pick up a point when they face Fulham this afternoon
Alan Shearer is hoping for Harvey Barnes to be given a chance “from the start” against Fulham today.
Eyebrows were raised when Eddie Howe named the 26-year-old on the bench last weekend. Barnes scored a fortnight earlier in the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur but, as has been the case for most of his time at Newcastle United, found himself on the bench.
Alexander Isak hobbled off at half-time, with Barnes coming on and Anthony Gordon tasked with leading the line. A scruffy second-half turnaround saw the former Leicester City star bag a stunning winner to break Wolverhampton Wanderers hearts.
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Many Toon fans – including all-time leading goalscorer Isak – have urged Howe to unleash Barnes in the starting line-up at Craven Cottage. An injury to Isak makes him a doubt for the Fulham clash and could open an opportunity for the winger.
“This will be a tough game for Newcastle,” Shearer told Metro. “We’ll see if Eddie decides to bring Harvey Barnes in from the start which would be exciting to watch as a front three with Gordon and Isak. But Fulham are decent and up front, they do have some quality now. I’ll go for a draw.”
Howe praised Barnes for his “coolness” in front of goal that has contributed to Newcastle’s strong start to the season. He told reporters yesterday: “Harvey has a real coolness in front of goal. He has this way (how) he strikes the ball, his positioning is very good.
“You don’t score the amount of goals he does if you are not in the right areas. He is a really humble lad and he is prepared to work for the team. I am delighted with how he has started the season.”
