Newcastle United need to sort their away record out, starting at Turf Moor against Burnley on Saturday.
The Magpies have four games and are aiming to finish in the top six, but that will largely depend on how they perform on their travels.
That is because three of Newcastle United‘s four remaining games are away, with Brighton being their only opponents at St James’ Park.
To complicate matters, Burnley are fighting for their lives. Vincent Kompany’s side have picked up some decent results as of late, and suddenly have an outside chance of staying in the Premier League.
It is going to be a challenging game, and this is the Newcastle United team we predict Eddie Howe will pick to face Burnley
Eddie Howe makes Fabian Schar decision
The big question mark for Newcastle United heading into this game surrounds Fabian Schar.
He was forced off during the win over Sheffield United with a hamstring problem, and was subsequently not spotted in the Magpies’ midweek training photos.
That suggested he was a doubt to face the Clarets, and Eddie Howe has now confirmed that he will not feature at Turf Moor. In fact, it looks like he will not play again for Newcastle United this season.
That is a major blow, and will result in Emil Krafth coming into the starting XI.
No change in midfield but injured star returns to the Newcastle bench
Once again, Newcastle have no options to mix things up in midfield.
Joe Willock and Lewis Miley are out for the season, while Sandro Tonali is suspended. As for Joelinton, it seems unlikely that he will return, despite getting closer to a comeback.
That means it will be Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes and Elliot Anderson in the middle, despite the former desperately needing a break. Longstaff was poor again on Saturday, but looks certain to start against Burnley.
One positive is that Miguel Almiron should be back. He has missed Newcastle’s last five games with a knee injury, but is back in training. Hopefully that results in the 30-year-old getting a place on the bench at Turf Moor.
Harvey Barnes starts in attack at Turf Moor
The one change that Eddie Howe needs to make against Burnley is in attack.
Harvey Barnes dropped to the bench against Sheffield United, but should start on Saturday. He has to take Jacob Murphy‘s place in attack, with Howe needing to go all out against a side that are fighting for their lives.
That means dropping the £12million man to the bench, where he will be joined by Callum Wilson and the aforementioned Almiron. That gives Newcastle some options in reserve, which will be vital as we continue our charge towards Europe.
Predicted XI vs Burnley: Dubravka; Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Bruno, Anderson; Gordon, Isak, Barnes.
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