In-form Burnley travel to the Northeast on Saturday looking for a further three points to maintain their top half position in the Premier League table.
The Clarets have taken 13 points from a possible 15, beating Leicester City and Manchester United during this run, as well as holding Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at Turf Moor. Their current form has been built on an excellent defence, conceding just twice during this run.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope and defenders James Tarkowski and Ben Mee are all hoping to impress England national team manager Gareth Southgate between now and the summer. The Three Lions are the current Euro 2021 betting favourites but regulars Jordan Pickford and John Stones haven’t performed too well domestically this season.
Newcastle United will be looking to breach the Burnley defence this weekend as they look for the three points to edge closer to safety. The Magpies head into the weekend nine points short of the 40-point mark, that is generally considered the safety point.
Steve Bruce’s side have taken just two points from their last four games, though this is double the amount each of the bottom three have taken during the same run. Although he may never be considered one of Newcastle United’s greatest managers, it will be an achievement for Bruce to keep this side in the top flight next season.
Visitors Burnley start the weekend in the top half of the Premier League table – 10th place and six points better off than Newcastle.
Whilst Burnley were comfortable 3-0 winners at home to Bournemouth last weekend, Newcastle were outplayed in their 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace. Bruce’s side have won just one of their nine Premier League games since Christmas Day and are without a goal in their last three.
They will be without Valentino Lazaro this weekend after the Internazionale loanee was sent off late on at Selhurst Park last time out. The defensive player has only made two starts since his move in January but has failed to impress to say the least.
Matej Vydra will head to St James’ Park off the back of consecutive Premier League games with a goal for the first time in his career. The Czech international has otherwise failed to live up to his price tag since arriving from Derby County in 2018.
Chris Wood, Jay Rodriguez and Ashley Westwood have each scored twice during this run Burnley have been on. And although they are not usually the best of travellers, Sean Dyche must consider Saturday’s game as very winnable given the poor form and performances of this weekend’s hosts.