Michael Owen has released his prediction for this weekend’s crucial clash at St James’ Park between Newcastle and Burnley – and he’s sat firmly on the fence.
The former Newcastle United sick note believes it’ll be a game of very few chances and feels the match will be decided by a single goal as a result – but can’t decide if it’ll be ourselves or the Clarets that come away with a 1-0 win.
Here’s what he’s had to say during his latest prediction piece for Bet Victor – where he reveals some pretty alarming stats regarding our struggle for goals and Burnley’s brilliant form:
‘Two sides who go into the game at St James’ Park in contrasting form. Newcastle have won just one of their last nine league games and have failed to score in their last three.
‘Burnley, on the other hand, have picked up 13 points from their last five games and their 37 points at this stage of the season – after 27 matches – is a club record for the Premier League.
‘No side has scored fewer goals than Newcastle (24) so far this term and I don’t believe we will see many opportunities. One goal might be enough at either end.’
I’d tend to agree with him when saying it’ll be a game of VERY few goals, although we might just get a surprise on that front IF Bruce opts for a more adventurous formation and goes for it.
He does reveal two very alarming stats, however. One being the fact we are the league’s lowest scorers (24) – and are coming up against a side with the second most clean sheets in the league this season (10) – and the other being the Burnley have picked up 13 points from a possible 15 in their last five games; so are very much a team in form.
A huge game and one that could make or break our run in. Win and we’ll be one step closer to limping over the line – but lose and we could be dragged right back into a battle for survival.
