Newcastle United host Burnley at St. James’ Park on Saturday with three massive points up for grabs for both teams.
The Magpies took four points from their opening nine available. A win versus West Ham was followed by a 3-0 loss to Brighton at home. Steve Bruce’s team managed a late 1-1 draw versus Tottenham Hotspur on matchday 3 thanks to a contentious penalty.
Burnley have lost both games this season. The Clarets have been outscored 5-2 by opposing teams. A loss to Leicester City, 4-2, was followed by a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Southampton on matchday 3.
Newcastle United and Burnley have met eight times in the league since 2014. Four of those eight games finished in draws between the clubs. The other four fixtures were split with Newcastle United winning twice and Burnley claiming two victories.
Last season’s match at St. James’ Park ended in a bore draw between the clubs, nil-nil. It followed on from a 1-0 Burnley win in the reverse fixture.
Burnley have not won any of their last four games against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. It has been a venue that has been impossible for the Clarets to win at.
Manager Sean Dyche has six players fighting for fitness ahead of the game at the weekend. Jack Cork, Johan Berg Gudmundsson, Jay Rodriguez, and Ben Mee are all ruled out of the game. Robbie Brady and Matthew Lowton are both doubts for the fixture due to their respective injuries.
Eight players are on the injury list for manager Steven Bruce. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is the main man missing in action. Matthew Longstaff, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, and Dwight Gayle are all out as well.
DeAndre Yedlin, Ciaran Clark, and Allan Saint-Maximin are all three doubts. They may not be available until after the October international break.
Four of the last eight matches between Newcastle United and Burnley finished with both teams finding the back of the net. Saturday’s game is likely to see the teams score again with the fifth of nine league games between them finishing in a draw.
Newcastle United played in midweek in the Carabao Cup, winning on penalties against Newport County. Fatigue could play a factor.
Saturday’s game at St. James’ Park should see Newcastle United get a result against Burnley for a fifth straight game on their own turf. Expect a score draw between the sides.