Burnley v Newcastle Preview | Team News, Key Players and Stats

The onset of December marks the arrival of closely spaced fixtures that could turn the tables on a club in a very short space of time. For Newcastle, the crucial period begins with a visit to Burnley’s Turf Moor this Wednesday on Matchday 14. With Newcastle’s 5 game winning streak having come to an end against West Ham, it remains to be seen if the Magpies can put the game behind them as a one off performance, or if Burnley can inflict some damage on the cracks that were evident with Alan Pardew’s Newcastle side.

Team News

The injury troubles at St. James’ Park are getting worse with every passing day. In what could be another blow to the side, Tim Krul sustained an ankle injury in training prior to West Ham match and will be out for at least 4 more games, adding to the growing list of injured players at the club. The long term absentees in the club’s team sheet include the likes of De Jong, Obertan, Taylor and Santon who are recovering from long term injuries. The club could be without the services of important players like Coloccini, Janmaat and Abeid who remain doubtful for the upcoming game.

Defender Michael Duff and young midfielder Chalobah are expected to recover in time to be in contention against the Magpies. While Matt Taylor is expected to be fit only by mid December, forward Sam Vokes, one of the stars of the last season, is on course for a return from a knee injury which kept him out for 8 months. The forward recently figured in an Under-21 game. While he might surely be ruled out of action on Wednesday, the return date doesn’t seem too far now.

Interesting Facts

• The tie is the first between the two clubs in more than 31 years.
• Burnley have the worst goal difference in the league at -12.

Possible Line Ups

Newcastle

Elliot, Janmaat, Coloccini, Dummet, Haidara, Colback,Cabella, Sissoko, Gouffran,Cabella, Perez,

Burnley

Heaton, Trippier, Shackell, Duff, Ward, Marney, kightly, Boyd, Artfield, Jutkiewicz, Ings

Key Men

KIERAN TRIPPIER

Trippier, who created a whopping 80 chances last season, albeit in the Championship has found the going tough in his first season in the top flight. While he still sits atop the chances created charts (12 chances with 1 assist) within the Burnley ranks, his performances can be classified as nothing out of the ordinary. The young full-back will need to find the balance between his attacking prowess and defensive duties to help Burnley churn out a result against an in-form Newcastle. He would be up against Gouffran and Dummet, who could expose his deficiencies with their experience. He has already registered 2 defensive errors this season, as many as he made the whole of last season, and any lapse of concentration will be duly punished. Nevertheless, his contribution to the attack will be essential to Burnley getting anything out of this fixture.

DARYL JANMAAT

The Netherlands international has been one of the main stays of this Newcastle side ever since his arrival. While he remains a doubt with a hamstring injury, his presence in the starting line-up could lend stability to the attack as well solidarity to the right side of the pitch. The defender has been a vital cog in the attack, having created 10 chances (2 assists) from the right. His ability to break play with tackles and interceptions and thwart attempts with blocks serve the Newcastle defence in a good stead.  Burnley have shown a propensity for crosses and could pose a threat from the wings, and Janmaat will have his work cut out at Turf Moor.

Head to Head

Prediction

The loss against West Ham must have put a few doubts back in the heads of Newcastle fans. However, despite all the injuries they have had so far, I think there’s enough quality in this Newcastle side to go out and win comfortably against a side that sits a point away from the bottom of the table. Predict an easy 0-3 victory for Newcastle at Turf Moor.