Prediction: Newcastle vs Burnley

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is back following another series of European knockout fixtures during the week – although neither team we’re going to talk about today had to concern themselves with any of that. Newcastle United have shown flashes of brilliance this season but continue to come up short when it matters the most, whereas Burnley are starting to go under the radar as a team that could legitimately make a push for a Europa League spot once again.

Newcastle

The hiring of Steve Bruce was always going to be controversial, but now that the effectiveness of his tactics are starting to wear off, the pressure is building. They have an insane injury list, an impatient fanbase and an owner that somehow seems to make everything worse just by his general presence around the club. The worry for Magpies fans will be the toxic atmosphere building on Tyneside, which has always been one of the catalysts behind them getting relegated in the past.

Team News

The insane injury problems of Newcastle United continue with Willems, Colback, Dummett, Krafth, Carroll and Clark all being ruled out whereas Lazaro is serving a suspension. Atsu, Shelvey and Manquillo are set to be assessed closer to kick-off with Gayle being on the verge of breaking back into the starting XI.

Burnley

Sean Dyche could well be an outside contender for Manager of the Season if he’s able to keep Burnley’s recent surge of momentum going in the Premier League. They’ve forgotten about any lingering relegation concerns, and now, they’re focusing their attention on a potential challenge for the top eight. They’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain, which always seems to be the sort of position that Dyche and this squad thrives in.

Team News

Gibson and Lowton are both out of action through injury whereas the Wood and Barnes are both on the verge of returning to full fitness, although it’s doubtful that they’ll feature here. Elsewhere, Burnley are expected to keep a similar looking line-up to the one that beat Bournemouth.

Factors to Consider

• In the reverse fixture back in December, Burnley beat Newcastle 1-0.
• Newcastle have won one, drawn three and lost two of their last six games.
• Burnley have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Newcastle have scored five goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• Burnley have scored 10 goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

Newcastle are limping their way towards the end of the season and at this stage, their best bet is going to be grinding out results regardless of how bad the performances may be or how awful the game might look. They’re going to dominate the aerial game here and if they can keep Burnley at bay, it should be a fairly intriguing chess match between the two. We think both sides will have their moments here and there with the final result being a pretty enjoyable draw.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: bet365