Saha absent from Fulham lineout

Manchester United-bound Louis Saha was conspicuous by his absence as Fulham lined up against Newcastle at St James’ Park.

The Frenchman, whose big money move to Old Trafford is expected to be completed within the week, was one of three men to make way from the side which won 2-1 against Everton last time out.

Andy Melville, who joined West Ham last week, and Adam Green were the others as Barry Hayles, former Magpie Alain Goma and new signing Carlos Bocanegra were included.

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson named the 11 men who claimed a battling 0-0 draw at Manchester United last Sunday for what was the 4,000th league game in the Magpies’ history and the 700th for club and country of skipper Alan Shearer’s career.

Premiership latest:

Newcastle v Fulham 8pm

Newcastle: Given, Hughes, Woodgate, O’Brien, Bernard, Solano, Jenas, Speed, Robert, Dyer, Shearer.

Subs: Harper, Ambrose, Bramble, Ameobi, Viana.

Fulham: Van der Sar, Djetou, Goma, Knight, Legwinski, Sean Davis, Clark, Malbranque, Bocanegra, Boa Morte, Hayles.

Subs: Crossley, Volz, Sava, Petta, Green.

Referee: N Barry (N Lincolnshire)