Newcastle vs. Burnley — Eddie Howe: Match Preview
Newcastle United welcome Burnley to St James’ Park on Saturday, aiming to return to the top half of the Premier League table.
The Magpies drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, while Burnley continue to struggle near the bottom of the table after a fifth straight defeat.
Eddie Howe’s side led twice against Spurs through Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon, but conceded deep into stoppage time, leaving the team frustrated about their many missed chances and that super late collapse.
Newcastle enter Saturday 12th with 19 points, having extended their unbeaten home run to seven games in all competitions. They have also won all three home league matches this season against teams below them and have taken maximum points from their last six meetings with Burnley.
Burnley’s midweek defeat to Crystal Palace extended their losing run to five league games. The Clarets have taken just one point from their last seven away matches and have conceded 21 goals on the road — the worst record in the league.
Newcastle remain without Nick Pope, who is sidelined for three weeks with a groin injury. Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Will Osula and Yoane Wissa also remain out, though Wissa is close to returning and could at least hit the pine this weekend.
Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk
On Sandro Tonali, who was withdrawn at half-time during Newcastle’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham…
”He’s had a scan and we don’t think it’s too bad. We’ll give him every chance to declare himself fit. It was a knock very similar to the one Joelinton suffered, a dead leg type feeling.
“Sandro felt it was concerning enough to get scanned but we’ll see how he is today and we’ll give him every chance to be fit.”
On Yoane Wissa, awaiting his Magpies bow…
”We did an 11v11 game, sort of for him, on Wednesday which was good and more minutes for him. Round about half an hour - he did well. So far he’s come through everything.
“We still have training today and we’ll make a decision as to whether he’s ready to not just be fit but fit to make a difference and fit to perform to his high standards.”
On Sven Botman…
“Sven has had an injection. We hope that will bring back his return quite quickly but now there is a time period for the injection to work which I think is about a week then we’ll see how he is.”
On losing points from winning positions…
”It’s been really painful for us. Also, there’s a psychological blow that happens when you do that. Set play against Arsenal, set play again against Tottenham - it’s frustrating. All we can do is work on it and try to put it right. “I don’t think there’s any mysterious reason for that underneath. We’re looking at patterns and trends all the time and I don’t think there’s something fundamentally wrong but we can certainly do better.”
On finding consistency, with Newcastle aiming to extend their unbeaten league run to four matches…
”It feels like it’s one of the most competitive Premier League seasons I’ve experienced. Every team we’ve played this season has been strong and has a clear vision, identity and way of playing. You see the table and it tells a story - everyone is searching for consistency and back to back wins. “If you get them you elevate your position and if you don’t, as we are, we’re wanting to move higher in the table but we’re seeking that run that will take us there.”
On Martin Dúbravka, with the Slovakian goalkeeper set for a return to St. James’ Park following his departure last summer, ending a seven-year stint on Tyneside…
“An unbelievable professional and a very good goalkeeper. Long before I came to the club, he etched his name into legend status for what he did for such a long period of time and how dependable and reliable he was for the football club in difficult moments. I’m sure he’ll get a warm welcome from the supporters.”
Howay!
Date: Saturday, December 6nd
Kick-off: 15:00 BST / 10:00 EST
Location: St. James’ Park, Newcastle (England)
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