Newcastle United are looking to snap their two-game losing streak on Saturday when they host Burnley at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United desperately need a win to avoid being dragged into a tight relegation battle. Burnley will be a difficult team to defeat as they are full of confidence as a result of only being three points shy of the top six.
Where They Stand
Burnley:
- 10th, 37 points (Goal Differential: -6)
- Last Five: 4-1-0
Newcastle United:
- 14th, 31 points (Goal Differential: -17)
- Last Five: 1-2-2
Analysis
Newcastle United are making life in the Premier League more difficult than it has to be. The Magpies have dropped precious points against lower-ranked teams all season and now they have make up ground against in-form sides like Burnley.
Burnley have won four of their last five games and they are looking to extend their winning streak to three games at St. James’ Park on Saturday. Newcastle United, on the other hand, will do their best to avoid losing their third consecutive game to mid-table opposition.
The last meeting between these teams might go down as the worst game played in the Premier League this season. The Clarets claimed all three points in a minimal victory that saw the Magpies create the most chances, nine, but they had zero shots on target.
Fans can always expect a close, aggressive battle between Newcastle United and Burnley, and tomorrow’s game is no different. Allan Saint-Maximin missed the last meeting due to injury, so the Toon Army are hoping his dynamic play out wide can cause problems for Burnley’s back-line.
Fans are also hoping to see some more creativity in midfield and more chances taken in front of goal. That being said, it would not be a surprise to see Jonjo Shelvey reclaim his place in the starting lineup, and many fans, myself included, are expecting Dwight Gayle to start over the failed experiment we call Joelinton.
According to FiveThirtyEight, Burnley’s hot form makes them slight favorites to get the job on the road, but Steve Bruce has found ways to motivate his players after experiencing a dip in form. Tomorrow’s game will be close and it could go either way. See our predictions below.
Predictions
Carson and I both believe that all good things must eventually come to an end, and that means Burnley’s good run of form will not continue at St. James’ Park. Defeating Burnley is no easy task, but Newcastle United are expected to transform their desperation into urgency once the whistle is blown.
- Carson A. Merk: Newcastle United 2-0 Burnley
- Durim Halimi: Newcastle United 2-1 Burnley