Burnley is set to clash with Newcastle United at Turf Moor on Tuesday night, with both teams eager to finish the year on a high note as they pursue their distinct objectives.
Burnley finds itself in a precarious position, sitting in the relegation zone and desperately looking to pull out of that situation. Despite being 19th in the standings with just 12 points and five points away from safety, there have been signs of a turnaround as Scott Parker’s squad fights to improve their goal-scoring woes.
On the other hand, Newcastle comes into the match following a disappointing spell, having secured only one win in their last five matches across competitions. A recent 1-0 loss to Manchester United on Boxing Day extended their winless streak in the Premier League to three games. Currently perched at 14th in the league, Newcastle finds themselves only six points away from the Champions League spots, illustrating the tightly contested nature of the league.
However, the Magpies have struggled particularly on the road, recording only one league victory away from home this season. In their favor, they will look to build on a recent 2-1 victory over Burnley at St. James’ Park earlier this month, hoping to secure an elusive away win.
Newcastle’s head coach, Eddie Howe, shared insights on his team’s current status. He addressed goalkeeper Nick Pope’s recent illness and noted the need for players like Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman to return as swiftly as possible to improve an injury-riddled defense. He emphasized the importance of maintaining squad depth throughout a challenging January schedule.
Howe highlighted the management of players like Yoane Wissa, aiming to help him regain full fitness while navigating a demanding match schedule. Additionally, he praised young talent Sam Alabi for his training performance and potential future contributions to the team.
While acknowledging the challenges of playing multiple games in quick succession, Howe remains optimistic about the team’s intensity levels, expressing a belief in their capabilities based on recent performances. He underscored the importance of creating positive sentiments among players and supporters alike, particularly during away matches.
This pivotal encounter is scheduled for kick-off at 19:30 BST on December 30, at Turf Moor. It promises to be an exciting match, where both teams will aim to capitalize on their opportunities and finish the year with a boost of momentum.