Newcastle United welcome Burnley to St James’ Park in another relegation showdown for the Magpies.
Victory could lift Newcastle off the foot of the table and up to 19th for at least 23 hours, whereas a win could lift Burnley out of the relegation zone with Watford not in action until Saturday teatime.
Team News
Ciaran Clark is suspended for Newcastle after receiving a red card in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Norwich.
Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie are both available after completing one match bans but Paul Dummett remains absent with a calf injury.
Burnley could be without Phil Bardsley as the defender struggles with a knock.
Dale Stephens (illness) is unlikely to be available but Ashley Barnes (thigh) is ruled out.
James Tarkowski and Ashley Westwood meanwhile are available after serving an one match ban in Wednesday’s goalless draw at Wolves.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle have lost just one of their last seven league meetings against Burnley (W4, D2, L1).
- Burnley are winless in five Premier League visits to St James’ Park (D3, L2).
- Newcastle’s Allan Saint-Maximin scored once in both meetings against Burnley last season.
- One of Callum Wilson’s five goals for Newcastle this season were scored from the penalty spot.
- Burnley are looking to avoid consecutive goalless draws for the first time since a three match streak between August-September 2014.
Prediction
After finding themselves held at home by Norwich in midweek, Newcastle need a huge performance here to reignite their survival hopes because they did play well against the Canaries on and off the ball, yet were sloppy with their gapping in defence which was ultimately punished.
Burnley also need to make progress because they were absolutely outplayed at Wolves on the attack yet delivered a solid defensive effort to snatch a goalless draw, albeit with the assistance of great saves by Nick Pope to deny the hosts repeatedly.
This clash though should be more open for Sean Dyche’s Clarets who have looked strong on the attack and I can see them taking the fight to Newcastle here, so expect a feisty contest between two teams who are capable of more but a draw feels the best bet.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Burnley
Result: Newcastle 1-0 Burnley
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