Newcastle United have a golden opportunity tomorrow vs. Burnley at Turf Moor. The Magpies have a chance to extend their lead to six points over Fulham with a game in hand after Scott Parker’s side lost in the final minutes yesterday vs. Wolves.
Player to Watch
Newcastle United: Callum Wilson
The club’s star striker is finally healthy after going out with a hamstring injury vs. Southampton in early February. Wilson’s ten goals in the EPL are more than double the second-most on the team (Miguel Almiron with four). With a winnable match vs. the Clarets, Newcastle gets back the player that scored a brace vs. them earlier this season.
Burnley: Nick Pope
When the club’s met earlier this season, Pope had a disaster of a match and that contributed to a 3-1 loss for Burnley. He only has one clean sheet in his last seven matches and his performance in goal may be the key to this match.
NUFC Availability Update
Yesterday, Steve Bruce delivered some good news and some bad news on the injury front. The good news? Wilson is available along with Allan Saint-Maximin, Federico Fernandez, and Ciaran Clark. On the opposite end, he confirmed that Jamaal Lascelles is out, potentially with a stress fracture, and that Ryan Fraser hasn’t recovered from a groin injury. Depending on training today, Andy Carroll may or may not be available.
Keys to a Newcastle United Victory
- Seize the moment
Newcastle played more aggressively vs. Spurs and they came away with a point because of it. With Fulham’s loss yesterday, the Magpies have a big chance to extend their gap above the drop zone. Steve Bruce should have his side dictating the action from the opening window.
- Don’t leave Wilson isolated
With Wilson back in the lineup, the Magpies shouldn’t abandon him on an island. They will want to get him involved early and make sure to send plenty of crosses in his direction. Early activity should help him get back into a groove.