Burnley vs Newcastle United preview, predictions & possible XIs
Newcastle United will be looking to build on their recent run of form when they travel to Burnley this weekend.
Steve Bruce’s side are unbeaten in their past three games and have won two in a row against Sheffield United and Southampton, moving them up to 11th.
Meanwhile, things haven’t been as positive for Burnley. The Clarets have lost their last three games against Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, shipping 11 goals.
Can Sean Dyche’s side get their season back on track or will Bruce’s run continue?
Read on for our preview, predictions, team news, TV coverage information and more.
When is Burnley vs Newcastle and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Turf Moor
Date: Saturday, 14 December 2019
Kick-off: 3:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): N/A
Last five meetings: Burnley vs Newcastle
26 February 2019: Newcastle 2-0 Burnley (Premier League)
26 November 2018: Burnley 1-2 Newcastle (Premier League)
31 January 2018: Newcastle 1-1 Burnley (Premier League)
30 October 2017: Burnley 1-0 Newcastle (Premier League)
01 January 2015: Newcastle 3-3 Burnley (Premier League)
Aggregate Score: Burnley (LLDWD) 6-8 Newcastle (WWDLD)
Ones to watch
Burnley: Ashley Westwood
Burnley’s run of three games without a win have coincided with Ashley Westwood’s absence. The midfielder initially missed the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace through suspension but had to sit out of the following two games through injury.
But Westwood should return this weekend and, if he does, he could help get Burnley back on track. The 29-year-old has averaged 1.46 chances created per 90 minutes in the Premier League, adding two assists from the middle of the pitch.
His inclusion will also allow Jeff Hendrick to move back out wide, where he can be more effective.
Key stat: Only Dwight McNeil (21) has created more chances in the Premier League for Burnley this season than Ashley Westwood.
Newcastle: Andy Carroll
Despite Newcastle’s recent luck in front of goal, the Mapgies haven’t had a strong presence through the middle of the pitch.
Joelinton has struggled of late and, with Allan Saint-Maximin out, the Brazilian could make way to Andy Carroll. Back at Newcastle, the Englishman has started just once so far this season but may be called upon to ask questions of Burnley’s defenders.
Even if he doesn’t start, Carroll should appear at some point, and he has proven himself to be quite a goal creator, recording two assists in his past two appearances.
Key stat: Andy Carroll has created four chances in the Premier League this season, recording two assists.
Team news
Burnley
Jay Rodriguez will be available for selection despite sustaining a broken finger in training but he could still drop to the bench with Ashley Barnes back in contention after injury.
If fully fit, the 30-year-old striker should return to partner Chris Wood in attack, while Ashley Westwood and Phil Bardsley are also in contention. Charlie Taylor remains a doubt and Kevin Long and Johann Berg Gudmundsson are ruled out.
Predicted XI: Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; Hendrick, Cork, Westwood, McNeil; Barnes, Wood.
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Newcastle
Newcastle will be without Allan Saint-Maximin after he suffered a hamstring injury last weekend, ruling him out until 2020. Ciaran Clark will also be absent after an injury against Southampton and should be replaced by Fabian Schar as he was in the game.
Christian Atsu will likely be the man to replace Saint-Maximin on the wing and Andy Carroll could come in for Joelinton, who has struggled in recent weeks.
Predicted XI: Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Fernandez, Dummet, Willems; Almiron, Hayden, Shelvey, Atsu; Carroll.
Squawka prediction
Although the form guide points towards a Newcastle win, history suggests Burnley may get back to winning ways.
Newcastle are yet to win three league games in a row and lost the last time they were searching for a hat-trick in November. Meanwhile, Burnley’s previous three-game losing streak was met with two wins, which would spell victory for the Clarets this weekend.
Scoreline prediction: Burnley 2-1 Newcastle
