MARCO Silva knows current form will count for nothing when he takes his Fulham side to out of sorts Newcastle United tomorrow.
The contrast in fortunes between the two clubs in the past few weeks makes for a big one.
Fulham have won their last two matches 5-0 against West Ham and Nottingham Forest and were unlucky to lose 4-3 at Liverpool beforehand having previously beaten Wolves 3-2.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have just crashed out of the Champions League having been beaten 2-1 by AC Milan, a result which also means they missed out on the Europa League.
In the Premier League they suffered heavy losses at Spurs (1-4) and Everton (0-3), so perhaps it is Silva’s side who could be considered favourites at St James’ Park tomorrow.
But the Cottagers chief refuses to read anything into what has happened recently and is expecting a challenging afternoon in the north east.
“It doesn’t mean anything,” said Silva.
“They are a top side. There was disappointment for them the other night of course and we all understand that.
“The way they started the Champions League competition, to be ready and able to fight until the last minutes of the game to have a spot to keep playing European competition, it was a great achievement from them I have to say.
“The last away game for them in the Champions League against Paris Saint Germain was really tough the way they were leading the score and all that stuff.
“Ok, it was a little bit strange and everyone talks about it probably about that game – and without those circumstances probably we are talking about a different scenario for them.
“Probably they can keep playing Champions League or Europa League football.”
Silva also knows it isn’t just Newcastle’s players Fulham will have to deal with, but the club’s fanatical supporters as well.
He explained: “They are a top side, as I said before.
“We know that we are going to play against a side that in their stadium with the connection with their fans is brilliant I have to say.
“It is something so strong.
“With the connection, they almost play together.
“It is going to be a challenge for us, a tough challenge for us. They want to react for sure.
“The beginning of the game is going to be as we expect and we have to be able to answer throughout the moments of the game – moments that we are going to be under pressure, moments that we have to express ourselves and try to do everything we can to try to win the match.”
Fulham will be without Tim Ream and Adama Traore for the long trek north, but other than that Silva has a pretty strong squad at his disposal.
Meanwhile, the Craven Cottage gaffer has welcomed keeper Bernd Leno’s decision to sign a contract extension until 2027.
Silva said: “It is brilliant for us as a football club to have the capacity to make him be with us even longer term.
“Of course it was not something that we were rushing to do it, but it is a great sign.
“I have to say it is a statement from us that we are capable to convince him to stay longer in our football club, reward him for the way he has been performing for us.
“He has been a top guy for us on the pitch, off the pitch as well. He is always really pleased to come to work every single day.
“In terms of professionalism it is just very, very good things to talk about him.
“And of course, in my opinion he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. In our football club he is very important.”
