Newcastle vs Burnley preview: Clarets eye extension to record
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Tuesday 26 February 2019 18:56, UK
Burnley can continue their recent good run in the Premier League when they travel to Newcastle on Tuesday (kick-off 8pm).
The Clarets beat Tottenham 2-1 on Saturday to go unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games, which is their longest unbeaten top-division run for 44 years.
Sean Dyche says their form has improved the mood in the camp, saying: "We continue to look at the next game as the most important. The players deserve a lot of credit for this run but they know that the next game is the most important, we've spoken about that for many times.
"We didn't lose sight of it when we weren't doing so well either, it's an unforgiving league and we know that. We know that we've got to continue the good work that's getting done and with good performances."
Newcastle have also hit a good spell at the right time, beating Huddersfield 2-0 on Saturday, and Rafa Benitez knows that Burnley will present a different prospect.
"They're in form, they're doing well. I've watched their last games and they have confidence and are a very tough and physical team. It will be a different test and we have to be ready for that," he said.
"Almost everybody's fit, we're winning, we're playing well, so everyone's happy. It's a problem for me because I need to make a decision in terms of squad, and 11 starters. It's a good problem for me."
Team news
Burnley have no new injury or suspension concerns ahead of his side's trip to Newcastle.
Dyche revealed Jeff Hendrick had been laid low by a bug prior to the win over Tottenham at the weekend, but the Republic of Ireland winger still played 80 minutes and is now expected to have fully recovered. Steven Defour (calf) and Aaron Lennon (knee) will definitely miss out.
Benitez also has no fresh injury problems. Rob Elliot (back) and Ciaran Clark (knee) are the only players missing as manager Newcastle look for a second win in four days.
Federico Fernandez, Jonjo Shelvey, Mohamed Diame and Yoshinori Muto did not even make the 18 for Saturday's 2-0 win over Huddersfield in which new signing Miguel Almiron made an impressive first start for the club.
Opta stats
Following their 2-1 win at Turf Moor in the reverse fixture, Newcastle are looking to do the league double over Burnley for the first time since the 1954-55 campaign.
Burnley are winless in five away games against Newcastle in league competition (D3 L2) since a 1-0 victory at St James' Park in April 1976.
Three of the five previous Premier League meetings between Newcastle and Burnley have ended as draws, with each side winning one apiece.
Only Manchester United (12) have won more away points in the Premier League in 2019 than Burnley (8 - P4 W2 D2 L0).
Newcastle United had 29 shots against Huddersfield Town in their previous match - their most in a Premier League game since November 2012 (32 vs Swansea City).
Burnley's last nine away Premier League goals have been scored by either Chris Wood (five) or Ashley Barnes (four).
This is the third time Burnley have gone four away Premier League games unbeaten (W2 D2) - the Clarets last had a longer run in the top flight in September 1966 (six games).
Rafael Benitez is unbeaten in five Premier League matches against English managers this season (P5 W3 D2 L0), winning his last three in a row.
Burnley's Peter Crouch has scored against Newcastle with four different clubs in the Premier League (Aston Villa, Liverpool, Southampton, Stoke City). Only Robbie Keane (Aston Villa, Coventry City, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur) has scored against Newcastle with as many teams in the competition.
Merson's prediction
Burnley have picked up, and Newcastle looked really lively against Huddersfield. I'm going to tip Newcastle to steal it; Longstaff looked decent and the front three look energetic.
When you often see Rafa Benitez's side set up, they're out to not lose before they win, but now he has these three up front - Rondon, Perez and Almiron - he has players who can make things happen. Those three are definitely as good as anyone in the bottom half. He can relax now, they're a bit more open and entertaining.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
