Going into the match the sides are separated by nine points, with Newcastle in 9th and Burnley in 19th. A win for the visitors could see us leapfrog half of a congested top ten to take us all the way up to 4th, if other results go our way. A Burnley win can take them out of the relegation zone for the second time this season, the first coming back in September when goalless draw with Sunderland temporarily granted them release.
Both sides had a good November; we continued our winning streak up until the loss to West Ham, and still top the form table going into this match, while Burnley opened the month with a loss to Arsenal, but haven’t lost since, following it up with their first two league wins of the season and a draw.
Team News
Our injury crisis is now “critical” according to Pardew, as Tim Krul is confirmed to be out for around six weeks, and several knocks were picked up at the weekend; Daryl Janmaat, Massadio Haïdara, and Mike Williamson are now all doubts for the game.
Rolando Aarons, Mehdi Abeid, and Fabricio Coloccini are all nearing a return, but will not be back in time for this match. Siem de Jong, Jonas Gutiérrez, Gabriel Obertan, Davide Santon, Ryan Taylor, and the previously mentioned Tim Krul, are all likely out until some point in 2015.
As if that wasn’t enough, Moussa Sissoko’s minute of idiocy at the weekend has him suspended for this game, and Colback picked up his 5th yellow card and therefore is also banned.
Pardew has revealed that three youth team players will travel with the team; Lubo Satka, Remie Streete, and Freddie Woodman. Haris Vučkić wasn’t involved in last night’s reserves game and may also be involved. Despite our problems in centre-midfield, Bigirimana did play, as did Callum Roberts, who has been involved with the senior squad lately.
Burnley will be without Matthew Taylor and Sam Vokes through injury, Nathaniel Chalobah is a slight doubt, and Michael Duff faces a late fitness test.
Predicted Line-up
If all of our doubtful players miss out, this is what I’d go with.
<elliot>
<satka> <saylor> <dummett> <streete>
<tiote> <anita>
<cabella> <perez> <ameobi>
<cisse>
Satka was used as a full-back a few times in pre-season, so I've put him at right-back. Even though Dummett is meant to be a left-back, I much prefer him in the middle and would rather be strong at centre-back and risk some weakness on the flanks than put him out there and Streete in his natural position. But either way around works I guess.<satka> <saylor> <dummett> <streete>
<tiote> <anita>
<cabella> <perez> <ameobi>
<cisse>
Anita could drop back in place of one of Satka or Streete, but I’d much rather have him in midfield, especially as we have no other options anywhere near his quality to accompany Tioté. Ameobi’s place in the squad is unquestionable at the moment, for me at least, and Gouffran showed exactly why he doesn’t deserve to start at the weekend, so Cabella gets his place back.
I’ve put Pérez in behind Cissé and in his supposed preferred position, rather than just having him up-front and isolated again, hoping to find a scrap to capitalise on. This also serves the purpose of giving Cissé a chance to prove himself after being kept out of the team in recent games.
Prediction
A threadbare and inexperienced defence will put on a valiant display, but ultimately Ings will find a chink in the armour and strike, opening up the game for an equaliser before the hosts get a second and the win. 2-1 Burnley.
Where to Watch/Listen
The match is not broadcast live on UK TV. Local commentary, as always, is on BBC Newcastle, with talkSPORT covering the game overseas.
