Fresh from booking their spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, Newcastle United welcome Burnley at St James Park in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Magpies stunned Manchester City 1-0 in the Carabao Cup third round, thanks to a second-half strike from Alexander Isak. Eddie Howe and Co. are starting to look more like their old selves and broke multiple records in an 8-0 crushing of Sheffield United last weekend.
Having found some momentum after a sticky start to the campaign, Howe’s side will look to beat Burnley and make it three consecutive wins in all competitions.
Newcastle United Team News
Harvey Barnes was forced off with a foot problem in the first half against Sheffield United and the winger will be spending around three months on the sidelines.
Barnes has joined Joe Willock (Achilles) on the treatment table while Emil Krafth makes his long-awaited return for the U21s tonight.
Paul Dummett and Alexander Isak were forced off with injuries in Wednesday’s win over Man City, although Howe is hopeful of having the latter available against Burnley after a customary late check.
Eddie Howe has said in his presser that they will give every chance to Callum Wilson and Sven Botman to be fit for the weekend fixture.
Predicted Newcastle lineup vs Burnley (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope had a very good game against Man City and kept his fourth clean sheet in a row across all formats. He will be aiming to make it five on the bounce when Newcastle face his former employers.
Defence
Dan Burn is expected to recover from illness in time and should start in defence in the Newcastle lineup.
If Sven Botman misses out again with a knee problem, Burn will partner Fabian Schar in central defence with Matt Targett keeping his place at left-back intact.
Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier remains an undisputed starter at right-back and will be fresh to face his former employers after being an unused substitute against City.
Youngsters Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall will drop down to the bench at the weekend.
Midfield
Bruno Guimaraes suffered a twisted ankle against Man City but should be fit enough to start in the Newcastle lineup against Burnley. He will look to break up the opposition attacks and win the ball back for his side.
Bruno will be joined by Sandro Tonali and Sean Longstaff in the Newcastle engine room. The trio will aim to take control of the game and dominate possession for the hosts.
Fit-again Joelinton, who played the entire game against Man City in midweek, should be an option from the bench while Elliot Anderson is also an alternative.
Attack
Howe hopes to have Alexander Isak fit in time to face Burnley, despite the Swede going off injured in the second half against City. Isak should lead the Newcastle attack, with Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron offering speed, creativity and flair from wide areas.
If deemed fit, Callum Wilson should be available from the bench, as Newcastle look to beat Vincent Kompany’s side at home.
