Europa League twist expected for Newcastle United in ‘difficult to call’ Burnley clash

The pundits are torn on how Newcastle United will fare at Turf Moor later today. Eddie Howe takes his Toon outfit to Burnley looking to build on last weekend’s 5-1 comeback win over Sheffield United.

But the Magpies must also overcome a poor record on the road that has been the root of many problems this season. Newcastle sit 15th in the Premier League away table - with just four victories all season.

Burnley are also flying high, boosting their chances of survival in recent weeks. The Clarets earned a point off Manchester United last weekend to move to within two points of safety.

A win against Newcastle could lift them above the drop zone - making the trip to Lancashire a tougher ask than the table suggests. NewcastleWorld has profiled how the experts think Howe’s men will get on in a difficult-to-call Premier League clash.

Chris Sutton

“I am at this game for 5 Live, and I am really looking forward to it because both teams have hit a bit of form,” he told BBC Sport. “I used to play for Blackburn so I always get a nice reception when I go to Turf Moor, but I have to say I admire how Burnley have kept going this season.

“Vincent Kompany's side should have beaten Manchester United last week but they have still given themselves a chance of staying up with three games to go. They will throw everything at this game, while Newcastle are in the mix for sixth place and will be right up for it too.

“I love what Alexander Isak is doing for the Magpies but, like his teammate Anthony Gordon, his numbers do drop off when they are on the road. Both players should have a chance to improve their away stats on Saturday, but I don't think Newcastle will have things all their own way.”

Prediction: Burnley 3-3 Newcastle

Mark Lawrenson

“I’ll go for a Newcastle win,” he told Paddy Power. “They’re going to finish the season strong and they’re already planning for next season in terms of players in and out. 

“The problem for Burnley is that you can’t really rely on them. They’ve been the best of the bottom three I would say but I don’t fancy them winning against Newcastle even though they’re at home.”

Prediction: Burnley 0-2 Newcastle

Paul Merson

“Burnley have lost just one of their last eight games - that is a creditable run of form despite the fact that they only managed to get two wins in that period,” Merson wrote in his SportsKeeda column. “They have the best fixtures of anyone in the relegation battle and something tells me it's going to be tight at the bottom, so I'm going for a Burnley win.

“They should have beaten Manchester United the other day and were unlucky not to come away with all three points at Old Trafford. If Newcastle play the way they did against Palace, they'll lose and that's exactly what I think will happen at Turf Moor.”

Prediction: Burnley 2-1 Newcastle