Burnley must get a result at home to Newcastle United if they are to stay in the Premier League for a sixth season
Burnley’s Premier League fight for survival comes down to 90 minutes at Turf Moor this Sunday, as they entertain Newcastle United in a must-not-lose game in the North West.
Michael Jackson’s side rode their luck on Thursday night at Villa Park, but ultimately earned a point that pulled them out of the relegation zone on goal difference heading into what is sure to be a drama-filled final day.
Ashley Barnes’ penalty could prove vital, although Wout Weghorst will surely be rueing the chance he missed that would have practically saved the Clarets.
If we rewind to the turn of the year, it looked nailed on that both sides would be embroiled in the relegation fight until the final stages of the season, with many predicting that this game could see the loser relegated from the top flight.
However, Eddie Howe, who once managed Burnley, has overseen an incredible turnaround on Tyneside, and the Magpies head into the final game completely free of pressure, and even have a chance of securing a top ten finish.
It’s not just Howe who counts Burnley among his former employers at Newcastle though. Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood are also former Clarets’ players, with Wood’s exit from the club back in January one that left a sour taste.
Wood has gone on to score just twice since his £25m move, the same amount as his replacement, Wout Weghorst, has for Burnley.
Wood’s availability for a return to Turf Moor is under threat, with the Kiwi target man rated at 50/50 following a hip injury that saw him miss the 2-0 win over Arsenal on Monday night.
Regardless of his availability, the chances of him starting are slim, with Joelinton and the now-fit Callum Wilson preferred in attack in recent weeks.
Elsewhere in the Newcastle squad, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock are both still missing with injuries which aren’t expected to hinder their pre-season camps, while Javier Manquillo is also unlikely to feature after contracting chickenpox last week.
Fabian Schar was knocked unconscious against Arsenal and replaced by Jamaal Lascelles and is expected to be available.
The only definite absentees for Burnley are Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Matej Vydra and Ashley Westwood, with James Tarkowski coming through 90 minutes against Villa on Thursday.
Jay Rodriguez and Erik Pieters could return after injury, but Matt Lowton won’t be involved after being sent off six minutes after coming on at Villa Park.
When the sides met earlier this season, it was Newcastle who picked up the points and their first win of the season.
Callum Wilson scored the goal that day and remains Newcastle’s top scorer despite missing the majority of the five months since that day in December, with Bruno Guimaraes now just one goal shy of catching the former Bournemouth man.
If the Geordies can repeat that feat on Sunday, they could steal a top ten finish if both Brentford and Brighton lose home games against Leeds and West Ham.
A win for Burnley is the only result that will definitely save their Premier League status, although they only need to make sure they better Leeds United’s result in order to stay up.
Burnley take on Newcastle United on Sunday, May 22nd. Kick-off is at 4pm.
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