Burnley host Newcastle in this Premier League clash. Burnley will need a win if they wish to stand a chance of staying in the fight for top flight status. Meanwhile, Newcastle look to end the year on a high after a disappointing run of form.
Burnley have been able to pick up two draws in their last two games. Ending a run of seven defeats in a row. These draws came against Bournemouth and Everton. After being promoted from the Championship with only sixteen goals conceded, that defence has struggled at the top level. Burnley have conceded slightly more than double than that this season with thirty four.
Last time out against Everton, the Turf Moor saw a stellar defensive performance from both teams. The game finished as a 0-0 draw.
This made it nine games in a row without a win for Burnley, last getting three points thanks to a late winner from Lyle Foster against Wolves. It's clear that Burnley have lacked the same defensive resilience they had last season, the jump in divisions so far has proved too hard for The Clarets as they find themselves in nine-teenth in the League.
Newcastle need a win against Burnley to avoid making it four games without a win, something that would be brutal for a side chasing Europe. If Eddie Howe still wishes to make European football his ambition for the season, after making it into the Champions League last season, it is vital his side gets a win here.
Last time out against Manchester United, they succumb to a great goal from the defender Patrick Dorgu. The Magpies are also still reeling from a loss to heated rivals Sunderland. Sandwiched between these results is a draw against Chelsea, a game they really should have won after being two goals up.
Newcastle's current issues can be explained as the recovery period after losing lethal striker Alexander Isak. Despite Woltemade making a good start at St James park it is still a far cry from the Newcastle of the past few years' striker.
Burnley as what many consider to be weaker opposition will be an opportunity for Newcastle to try regain some form and build upon in the new year. A loss would only hurt the mentality of the fans and the players
It has been a win for the Magpies in the last five games against Burnley. The last time Burnley were able to beat Newcastle was in a Carabao cup match in 2021. Even this was won on penalties. The last time Burnley won in the Premier League against Newcastle was all the way back in 2019. Chris Wood who would go onto play for Newcastle and Nottingham Forest scored the only goal in the game.
The Clubs most recent meeting was actually earlier this month on the 6th of December. Newcastle were able to get the win at home beating Burnley 2-1 thanks to goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon. Zian Flemming scored Burnley's only goal in the game.
Both sides will aim to get a result as a platform to build on, going into next year. It is likely that Newcastle will try and stay in control of the ball and will dominate possession, considering there great record against The Clarets.
Burnley instead will aim to break on the counter and will likely play very defensively aiming to make the most of set pieces as is traditional with Scott Parker sides.
