PREVIEW: Newcastle United vs Burnley – 31/01/18

Newcastle United vs Burnley FC

Date: 31/01/18

K/O: 19.45

Venue: St James’ Park

Newcastle take on Burnley at St James’ Park in a game in which events off the pitch could well overshadow those on it.

Rafa Benitez is still desperately trying to finalise signings and says he is confident that that he will get some players in before the window closes. Newcastle find themselves in a rather sorry state of affairs with Amanda Staveley pulling out her takeover bid whilst it appears that Mike Ashley is still refusing to budge when it comes to transfer funds.

On the pitch Newcastle have just been knocked out of the FA Cup courtesy of Chelsea and were beaten by Manchester City in their last league game. However, they beat Stoke and drew with Swansea in their two previous league matches so go in to this match as the in-form team thanks to Burnley’s seven game winless run in the league.

Whilst Burnley’s form has dropped since their impressive start to the season Sean Dyche will still feel confident that his team can get a result against a Newcastle side which appears to be in disarray.

Dyche will be without James Tarkowski and Steven Defour due to injury whilst Chris Wood and Stephen Ward remain unlikely to play.

Both teams could see a debut for a new signing with Kenedy joining Newcastle on loan from Chelsea and Aaron Lennon singing for Burnley from Everton.

Newcastle have no new injury concerns.

Prediction: Newcastle 0 Burnley 1

Written by Dom Clarke.