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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Reuben Rosso-Powell

Marco Silva eyeing 'different story' as Fulham host Newcastle

Marco Silva wants Fulham to "write a different story" against Newcastle ahead of their Premier League clash at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers 1-0 defeat to Eddie Howe's men back in April continued their winless run against Newcastle, which stretches back to 2017.

Newcastle have boasted an unbeaten start to the new season, conceding just three times in their opening four matches.

Fulham had one win, one loss and one draw before a frustrating late equaliser in their 1-1 draw with West Ham last week.

Silva told reporters on Friday: "They're a really good and strong side from a technical and physical point of view. It'll be tough for them too, our record against them has not been the best but performance wise we've been at our level.

"Results will always speak louder and we're going to work hard to change and write a different story.

"They're physical and can control their box, they have leaders in the back four, we have to take the chances and be ruthless."

Magpies manager Howe brought Champions League football to St James' Park last season and their strong start to the new season sees them in third behind Manchester City and Arsenal.

"He's a very good manager and we've played each other for a long-time," Silva added when asked about Howe.

"One of my first games in England was against him. We've had good battles, he had a massive impact at Newcastle in a difficult moment and he turned it around for them.

"They're growing and you can feel the connection with the club and the fans as well."

Adama Traore has been in good form for Fulham this season (Getty Images)

Adama Traore has played a pivotal part for the Cottagers this season.

The winger, who has started every league match since Willian departed on a free transfer last season, has had his hand in two goals this campaign.

Silva said: "The reality is that Adama has been coming more off the bench in his last five or six seasons. I don't just see him as a player who just comes from the bench to be honest but this depends much more on him."

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