After an improved performance against Tottenham, Newcastle face a must-win game away to Burnley.
The Magpies have had a lot of must-win games lately, but haven’t tasted victory since the 3-2 triumph over Southampton back in February.
With fresh injury problems and a returning Callum Wilson, what team will Steve Bruce pick at Turf Moor?
Lascelles injured
The big news ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Burnley is the injury to Jamaal Lascelles.
The captain has suffered a foot injury, and there are fears that his season could be over.
That will force Newcastle into a change at the back. While Federico Fernandez is fit again, Ciaran Clark seems the most likely option to replace Lascelles.
While Fernandez should arguably join Clark in defence, Bruce must be wary of rushing the Argentine back after so long out injured.
Keep the system
Newcastle changed system for the draw with Tottenham, and it brought a huge improvement.
They reverted to a back five, with Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie coming in as wing-backs.
This system allowed us to create a lot more chances, and we need to stick with it against Burnley.
Wilson on the bench
Newcastle should make two changes to the team that started against Tottenham, but Callum Wilson will likely be on the bench.
He is set to return after a hamstring problem, but it would be a risk throwing him straight back into the starting XI.
However, there should still be a change up top.
Joelinton was excellent against Spurs and must retain his place. But instead of playing alongside Dwight Gayle, his partner should be Allan Saint-Maximin.
The Frenchman impressed off the bench last week, and should start at Turf Moor.
Predicted starting XI vs Burnley: Dubravka; Murphy, Krafth, Clark, Dummett, Ritchie; Almiron, Shelvey, Longstaff; Saint-Maximin, Joelinton.
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