Newcastle will be hoping to win three consecutive Premier League games for the first time this season when they face Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday. Sean Dyche’s side have lost their last three, and now sit thirteenth – three points clear of the relegation zone.
Burnley were thrashed 5-0 by Tottenham Hotspur in their previous game. Spurs ripped through the Clarets with ease, and for a team that generally prides itself on defensive solidity, Burnley offered very little resistance.
To make matters worse, a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City the week before has left the club in a sticky situation. Defeat on Saturday would surely see Burnley become involved in an early relegation battle.
On the other hand, Newcastle are on the up. The Magpies have leapfrogged Burnley following a run of impressive results, and Steve Bruce’s men now find themselves in eleventh – four points clear of the Clarets.
After beating Bournemouth, Newcastle suffered a lackluster defeat to Aston Villa. However, a hard-fought draw with Manchester City was followed by wins against Sheffield United and Southampton.
Bruce’s side showed great character as they twice came from behind against the reigning champions. Despite being under huge pressure for the majority of the game, Newcastle held on to claim a famous point.
Jonjo Shelvey has been the star of the show in recent weeks. The midfielder has scored in each of the club’s last three games, and with Newcastle’s forwards misfiring, Shelvey has stepped up and delivered.
Unfortunately for Newcastle, a hamstring injury will keep exciting winger Allan Saint-Maximin out of the team for at least a month. This is a big loss for Steve Bruce, as the speedy Frenchman was just beginning to find some form.
Burnley also have a number of injury concerns with key men Ashley Barnes, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, and Ashley Westwood all major doubts for this weekend.
The overall head-to-head record between Burnley and Newcastle is extremely close. Newcastle edge it with 43 wins, while the Clarets have registered 42 wins.
Still, Newcastle have enjoyed more recent success. The Magpies have beaten Burnley in their previous two meetings, scoring over 1.5 goals on both occasions.
We could see this theme continue on Saturday. Newcastle are playing well at the moment, while it’s fair to say that Burnley are not at their best right now.
Forebet predicts that Newcastle will claim an impressive away win. Burnley’s losing streak looks set to go on.