Newcastle United vs Burnley

Newcastle United and Burnley are set to face off against each other at St James’ Park in contrasting Premier League circumstances.

Newcastle United made history in their memorable 8-0 demolition of Sheffield United last weekend, becoming the first side in the Premier League era to have eight different goalscorers in a single game. That triumph followed up Newcastle’s hard-fought 1-0 home win over Brentford a fortnight ago, as they seek back-to-back home league victories for the first time since April. Burnley could be a perfect opposition to accommodate Eddie Howe’s bid to achieve that target, with the ‘Magpies’ going unbeaten in all six previous Premier League H2Hs on home turf (W3, D3). On top of that, Newcastle completed a league double over promoted Burnley two seasons ago, including a 2-1 triumph at Turf Moor, which sealed the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship.

Despite securing an immediate top-flight return, Burnley’s start to life in the Premier League has been an unmitigated disaster, with Vincent Kompany’s lads going winless in all five league matches in 2023/24 (D1, L4). If it’s any consolation, the ‘Clarets’ thumped lower-league Salford 4-0 in midweek League Cup action, restoring some confidence ahead of this ominous-looking trip. However, if they’re to avoid another catastrophe, Burnley must shore up their defensive woes, as they’ve yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this term. With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise they lament the division’s second-worst defensive record with 13 goals conceded.