Burnley (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & score prediction

The final day of the 2021/22 season is upon us, with this rollercoaster of a year set to end at Turf Moor after Monday night’s magical night on Tyneside.

Newcastle United could yet sneak a top 10 finish if results go our way - we’d need Brentford (11th) and Brighton (10th) to slip up while also beating Burnley - but we’ll definitely play a big role in the fight for survival.

Essentially, Burnley (17th) know they’ll survive if they match or better Leeds’ (18th) result at Brentford on Sunday. But if we beat the Clarets, it could be us who send them down.

Our 2-0 win over Arsenal was, for me, our most complete performance under Eddie Howe and proof that we are anything but on the beach now a long, hard season is almost over.

Yes, we’ve beaten the drop in some style, making Premier League history along the way. However, the carrot of an incredible top 10 finish is still dangling within reach, Callum Wilson is fit again, the club is riding on a wave of sheer positivity and we also have a few players who are playing for their futures ahead of a big summer at St James’ Park.

Let’s hope we can end the season with another impressive win, sending us into the summer and the upcoming 2022/23 campaign with added momentum and a taste of what’s (hopefully) to come!

Team news

A late decision will be made on Fabian Schar as the club follows concussion protocols, while Ryan Fraser "might be out" with a slight hamstring injury.

Chris Wood only returned to training on Friday ahead of a potential meeting with his former club, meaning Wilson could remain up top, but Kieran Trippier could well make his first start since February.

Predicted line ups

(4-3-3): Dubravka – Trippier, Lascelles, Burn, Targett – Guimaraes, S Longstaff, Joelinton – Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.

OUT: Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar – IN: Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles.

Schar may not be risked when this could be a game that's tailor made for Lascelles - who was rock solid in the second half against Arsenal - while this could be an ideal time to give Trippier his first start since February against his former club, giving him some much needed minutes before the summer break.

Predicted Burnley XI (5-3-2): Pope - Roberts, Tarkowski, Long, Collins, Taylor - Cork, Brownhill, McNeil - Cornet, Barnes.

Match prediction

After watching him bully Arsenal’s two first choice centre-backs on Monday, I’m convinced Callum Wilson will get on the scoresheet here.

He was outstanding and unlucky not to score, while Allan Saint-Maximin was also much improved - a positive sign ahead of a fixture he’s often done well in since he signed.

Burnley will throw everything at us, knowing a win keeps them up, but I don’t see them dealing with Wilson or ASM, expect us to outclass them in midfield and also fancy the likes of Burn and Lascelles to handle the physical threat they’ll pose up top.

Prediction: Burnley 1-2 Newcastle