Burnley vs Newcastle United
Date: 14/12/2019
K/O: 15:00
Venue: Turf Moor
Referee: Tim Robinson
Newcastle United travel to a beleaguered Burnley on Saturday afternoon, with the hosts winless in their last three Premier League fixtures.
Steve Bruce’s side could move on to the cusp of the Europa League places with a convincing win, if results go their way elsewhere, meanwhile a win would move Burnley to within a single point of the weekend’s opponents.
Meanwhile, a draw for the hosts would halt their winless run after conceding 11 in their last three games, scoring just once. Sharing the points could see Newcastle move as high as eighth place, surpassing Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Sheffield United.
Though if Sean Dyche’s side were to succumb to defeat and Southampton and Aston Villa win, the Clarets would be above the relegation zone on goal difference alone.
Both sides could potentially miss crucial players, for Burnley Ashley Barnes is a doubt, and his goals would be sorely missed, having scored six of the Clarets 21 goals this season. If he is absent Chris Wood will be the focal point in his absence. The New Zealander has also scored six in the Premier League this campaign, with the pair having scored over half of the host goals.
Elsewhere Phil Bardsley is also unlikely to feature, though Erik Pieters has deputised capably when he Bardsley has not been available this season.
As for Newcastle United, Bruce will certainly be without Allan Saint-Maximin after he sustained a hamstring injury that will keep the Frenchman out until January. Christian Atsu should replace him, though it is unfortunate for the summer arrival to pick up an injury so shortly after scoring his first goal.
DeAndre Yedlin is also a doubt, meaning Javier Manquillo could start the game at right-back. Republic of Ireland international Ciaran Clark is also doubtful for the fixture, but he is expected to undergo a late fitness test and could yet make the starting eleven.
Predicted Starting XIs
Burnley (4-4-2): Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; Hendrick, Drinkwater, Cork, McNeil; Wood, Rodriguez
Newcastle United (4-5-1): Dubravka; Manquillo, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Willems; Almiron, Shelvey, Hayden, Atsu; Joelinton
Prediction: Burnley 0-1 Newcastle United
This fixture is Burnley’s best opportunity to end their dreadful run, though Newcastle are currently flying high and come into this game with considerably more momentum than their opposition. Both sides are goal-shy, so it may just be a single effort that separates the encounter, considering Burnley have scored only once in their past three matches it is more likely Newcastle will take all three points.
