This is how the outcome of Burnley versus Everton tonight will impact Newcastle United

There’s a massive game at the bottom of the Premier League table tonight as two of Newcastle United’s relegation rivals go head-to-head.

Burnley host Everton at Turf Moor (kick-off 7:30pm) in the only top-flight fixture to take place this evening.

While Eddie Howe might not be watching, instead focusing on his players and their preparations for Friday’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James’ Park, the Magpies fanbase will certainly take an interest in the outcome of the result.

The state of play

Newcastle hold a nine-point advantage over the drop zone with eight games left to play, whereas Burnley and Everton both have 10 matches remaining.

However, while both teams possess games in hand, the Magpies, perhaps more importantly, already have the points (31) on the board.

Sean Dyche’s Clarets are 19th, four points from safety and 17th placed Everton, who sit three points outside the relegation places.

Dyche’s side have suffered four straight defeats heading into tonight while Frank Lampard’s Toffees have won one - courtesy of Newcastle - of their last six.

How will a Burnley win impact Newcastle?

A Burnley victory will move them up to 18th ahead of Watford and cut Newcastle’s advantage over the bottom three from nine to seven points.

That would tee Dyche’s side up nicely for another huge six-pointer at Norwich City on Sunday afternoon.

The Clarets’ game in-hand is a home game against Southampton on Thursday, April 21.

How will an Everton win impact Newcastle?

A win for Everton on Lancashire turf wouldn’t at all impact United’s gap over the relegation zone, though it would bring the Toffees closer to them.

Lampard’s side would stay 17th but move onto 28 points, three points behind United with still a game in hand to play, which is Leicester City at home on Wednesday, April 20

What about if it’s a draw?

A draw helps neither side, really, though Burnley would leapfrog Watford into 18th on goal difference.

Everton, although won’t move from 17th whatever the outcome tonight, will bemoan a missed opportunity ahead of a tough run of fixtures.

In their next six games, Everton play Leicester twice and face Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

What’s the best result for Newcastle?

Although there are a few Geordies who would like to see Everton go down, a win for the Toffees keeps Newcastle’s sizeable advantage intact.

The last thing United supporters want is knowing a potential defeat at home to Wolves on Friday could see their lead cut to four points if Burnley win at Norwich.

Similarly, Watford also host Leeds United on Saturday.

Survival is all that matters, and while Howe will back his players to achieve that off their own accord, any help along the way never goes amiss.