If Newcastle are going to get anything at Turf Moor, they need to stop Chris Wood.
The striker is Burnley’s joint-top scorer alongside Ashley Barnes, finding the net six times. With Barnes potentially missing out and Wood the more in-form of the pair, Newcastle must be wary of the New Zealander.
The 28-year-old has been impressive for the Clarets since arriving in 2017, costing £15 million from Leeds United.
When he arrived at Turf Moor, he’d just won the Championship golden boot, pipping Dwight Gayle to the award. Wood scored 27 times in the 2016/17 season for Leeds, beating the Newcastle striker by four goals.
And one of Wood’s goals broke thousands of hearts at St James’ Park on April 14th 2017.
The Magpies welcomed Leeds United to the North East for what was set to be a feisty affair. Leeds always bring a huge number of supporters, and the two teams had been kept apart for a while with the Whites stuck outside the top flight.
Earlier in the campaign, Gayle inspired a 2-0 win at Elland Road, winding up the home support in the process with his celebration.
At St James’ Park though, it was Wood celebrating. It seemed for all the world that Newcastle were going to win 1-0 thanks to captain Jamaal Lascelles. But in the 95th minute, Wood got on the end of a cross to snatch a draw that seriously dented the Magpies’ title charge.
Fortunately, Newcastle were able to lift the trophy on the final day. But that night should serve as a reminder about Wood, who the Newcastle defence must nullify this afternoon at Turf Moor.
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