Premier League: Clarets Look for First Points in Newcastle

Newcastle United vs Burnley

Sean Dyche takes Burnley up to St James’ Park for the Saturday evening kick-off to face Steve Bruce’s Newcastle in a clash which is not for the feint-hearted.

Premier League: Newcastle United vs Burnley is a battle between two sides hoping to finish in mid table. These are early days in a long season but Burnley, in particular, could do with a result having lost their opening two matches.

Here at SBOTOP, we think both teams could flirt with the relegation battle this season, though we also think both should survive, Newcastle are at odds of 3.50 to take the drop and Burnley at 3.25. The Magpies are lacking a cutting edge while the Clarets are currently ravaged by injuries, so Dyche has a problem which can be solved with time while Bruce has work to do on his strike force.

Talking Points

Shot shy Newcastle

Three shots on target in three games is a shocking statistic for the Magpies but, remarkably, it has brought them four points which represents a decent start. A 0-2 victory over West Ham on the opening day was the ideal start, though they relied on the woodwork denying the Hammers, and two fine finishes when their rare chances arrived, Callum Wilson and midfielder Jeff Hendrick both on target on their debuts.

Callum Wilson has scored 2 goals in their last 3 Premier League matches — Callum Wilson celebrates with his teammates after scoring a late goal

The third of the three shots on target resulted from a ridiculous penalty award, converted by Wilson to earn the Magpies a 1-1 draw against Spurs. Keeper Karl Darlow was the man-of-the-match, making 11 saves to deny Tottenham who were left to rue their missed chances when Newcastle equalised in the 97^th minute.

Wilson will start again on Saturday alongside striker Joelinton, who scored two goals in his debut season for Newcastle last year.

And last night Newcastle went through to the quarter final of the Carabao Cup after edging out Newport County on penalties. Jonjo Shelvey scored a late equaliser to spare the Magpies’ blushes after the League Two side had led from the fifth minute

On the evidence of the Geordies’ performances so far, the Newcastle United vs Burnley highlights may not be packed with goal mouth incident!

Former Burnley man Hendrick will start in midfield. He became a free agent after failing to negotiate the contract he wanted at Turf Moor and he’ll line up against his former colleagues.

Burnley need bodies

The Clarets may be wondering why they let Hendrick go so easily, particularly as they suffered a series of injuries at the end of last season, and the short break has given insufficient time for key players including Ben Mee, Jack Cork and Ashley Barnes to recover.

Dyche is hopeful most of the injuries will clear up during the international break and he has already seen the return of centre back James Tarkowski and striker Jay Rodriguez.

The Burnley boss is trying to get new bodies in to add to midfield man Dale Stephens who signed from Brighton. The Clarets need another centre back and a winger at least, and are tracking Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson who would add balance on the right wing.

In terms of his own players, Dyche will be happy for the summer transfer window to close having worked hard to keep hold of Tarkowski and England U21 winger Dwight McNeil.

Burnley lost their opening two games; but they had their chances in a 4-2 defeat to Leicester, Chris Wood hitting the post as well as scoring, and then they misfired in a 0-1 defeat to Southampton. If Tarkowski is fit to take his place in defence, even without partner Mee, he will fancy shutting the Magpies out and then will hope his front men can do the business.

History

These two proud old teams have been well matched over the past few seasons in the top flight, winning two each and drawing four of the eight matches played.

This corresponding fixture finished 0-0 last season, while Burnley won the match at Turf Moor by 1-0, Wood scoring the winner.

Betting Tip

	Newcastle United vs Burnley	Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.92
	October 4, 03:00 (GMT+8)

The latest Newcastle United vs Burnley betting odds show just how open this game is, with a good case for all three results.

The Magpies are marginal favourites at odds of 2.43 with the Clarets at 2.90 and the draw 2.92. If Newcastle can get their shooting boots on, they could add to their four points, but with bodies starting to recover Burnley will rate their chances of opening their account.

1-1 is the most likely score line at odds of 5.22; but that relies on the Magpies managing another shot on target!