We are far from where I want us to be, but we're taking small steps. I told my players the other day, you win because you believe, and that's what confidence means: you believe in yourself when you're not winning.Álvaro Arbeloa BBC Sport

Fulham host Newcastle United at Craven Cottage looking to turn steady recent form into a win before the international break. Álvaro Arbeloa's side took a point at Aston Villa last weekend and sit in the bottom half, but the Spaniard insisted belief is returning. "We are far from where I want us to be, but we're taking small steps," he told his pre-match conference. "I told my players the other day, you win because you believe."

Arbeloa confirmed only captain Tom Cairney is out, with a "knee issue" that should clear after the break. Ryan Sessegnon is available again after a three-match ban. Much of the media focus was on teenager Josh King, called up by England. "It's a big step for him, I'm so happy for him as he's a very humble kid," Arbeloa said. "He has everything to become one of the best players in the world."

Newcastle travel south seeking a response after Monday's 1-0 home defeat to Everton, their third loss in four. Head coach Matthias Jaissle said Joelinton "went out with an injury again" and will miss the trip, while Jacob Ramsey serves a one-match ban for his late red card against the Toffees. Tino Livramento (knee) and Ewen Jaouen (hamstring) remain sidelined.

There is better news on Matías Fernández-Pardo, who is "training again with us" after a heavy virus lasting more than two weeks, though Jaissle will assess him physically. Lewis Miley is "getting better and better". Jaissle wants a reaction: "You see players, in their faces, they want to show a reaction. We need to step up in all the things we can influence."

Sports Mole notes that none of the 18 previous Premier League meetings between these clubs in West London have finished level. The 15:00 kick-off is not live on UK television under the Saturday blackout; referee is Rob Jones.

Compiled from BBC Sport, Newcastle United, Sports Mole, The Guardian.

Josh will play tomorrow he deserves it, he's knocked on my door to see what he has to do to get back in the team, I was waiting for that. He knows what he has to do. He will be starting tomorrow and it'll be good to see him back.Jack Wilshere on Josh Keeley The Lutonian

Luton Town host Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup first round at Kenilworth Road, a rematch of last season's 4-3 thriller that the Hatters edged with a 92nd-minute winner. Jack Wilshere's League One side arrive unbeaten in five and fourth in the table after a 1-1 draw at Huddersfield on Tuesday, while National League Rovers travel under an interim coaching trio after Robbie Savage's departure.

Wilshere confirmed Kal Naismith will miss "a couple of weeks" with a calf injury sustained at Huddersfield. "Kal's got a calf injury. He'll be a couple of weeks. Probably the international break comes at a good time for that," he told The Lutonian. Christian Chigozie has been recalled from Hemel Hempstead to provide defensive cover. Shandon Baptiste is available after his first under-21s 45 minutes in more than a year but will not be rushed. Hakeem Odoffin remains out.

In a notable selection call, Wilshere named Josh Keeley to start in goal ahead of James Shea. "Josh will play tomorrow he deserves it, he's knocked on my door to see what he has to do to get back in the team, I was waiting for that," the manager said. Devante Cole returns to the squad after being left out of recent matchdays.

Forest Green's Yan Klukowski, part of the interim trio with Josh Bowen and Jonathan Gould, told the Stroud Times that Rovers will "go as strong as possible" and will not experiment. Goalkeeper Luke McNicholas needs meniscus surgery after a knee injury against Harrogate; Ethan Ross is ready to return. Sean Etaluku is available again after a five-yellow suspension. Ricardo Rees remains out with a cruciate injury suffered in September.

Klukowski respects Luton's form — "one defeat in nine games, with seven victories" — and Wilshere's impact: "I think he's proved he's one of the young coaches with high potential in the game." Kick-off is 15:00; the tie is not scheduled for live UK television.

Compiled from The Lutonian, Stroud Times, Luton Today, Sports Mole.