Newcastle United face Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, and Chris Sutton is expecting it to be a cracker.
Both sides have something to play for, with Newcastle United aiming to qualify for Europe. The Magpies are hoping to end the campaign in the top six, although there is belief internally that fifth is still possible.
That belief will only have grown after seeing Tottenham lose on Thursday night, but that comes with caveat of them losing to Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are now one point behind Newcastle United, meaning there is still a very real chance that Eddie Howe misses out on European qualification completely.
It is vital that the Magpies win against Burnley, who have got their own reason to fight. They are 19th in the table and have looked doomed for the majority of the campaign, yet suddenly they have a chance of survival.
Vincent Kompany’s side have really improved in recent weeks, and sit two points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest with three games to go.
Chris Sutton predicts the score of Burnley vs Newcastle United
Both Newcastle and Burnley need to go for it this weekend, which is why Chris Sutton has predicted a bit of a goal-fest at Turf Moor for BBC Sport.
“I am at this game for 5 Live, and I am really looking forward to it because both teams have hit a bit of form,” he said.
“I used to play for Blackburn so I always get a nice reception when I go to Turf Moor, but I have to say I admire how Burnley have kept going this season.
“Vincent Kompany’s side should have beaten Manchester United last week, but they have still given themselves a chance of staying up with three games to go.
“They will throw everything at this game, while Newcastle are in the mix for sixth place and will be right up for it too.
I love what Alexander Isak is doing for the Magpies but, like his teammate Anthony Gordon, his numbers do drop off when they are on the road. Both players should have a chance to improve their away stats on Saturday, but I don’t think Newcastle will have things all their own way.”
Chris Sutton prediction: Burnley 3 Newcastle 3
Paul Merson does not agree about Burnley vs Newcastle
3-3 is a pretty bold prediction from Sutton, and it would be a result that would not do the Magpies many favours. Every game is now a must-win, and a draw would give Chelsea the chance to leapfrog Howe’s side in the Premier League table.
But while Sutton is predicting a draw, Paul Merson thinks Newcastle could suffer an even worse result.
In his column for Sportskeeda, Merson has predicted that Burnley will beat the Magpies 2-1 at Turf Moor.
“Burnley have lost just one of their last eight games – that is a creditable run of form despite the fact that they only managed to get two wins in that period,” he said.
“They have the best fixtures of anyone in the relegation battle and something tells me it’s going to be tight at the bottom, so I’m going for a Burnley win.
“They should have beaten Manchester United the other day and were unlucky not to come away with all three points at Old Trafford. If Newcastle play the way they did against Palace, they’ll lose and that’s exactly what I think will happen at Turf Moor.”
Newcastle must overcome away day issues
You would think Newcastle would be favourites to beat second bottom in the league, but neither Sutton or Merson have tipped the Magpies to come out on top. That speaks volumes about how much Burnley have improved, and how poor Newcastle are away from home.
Newcastle’s away record has been a big issue this season, with Howe’s side only winning four times on the road in the Premier League.
But they did beat Burnley in the reverse fixture, with Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak finding the net in a 2-0 win. And the Magpies could be boosted by the return of the former, with Almiron back in training after a knee injury.
He is predicted to be on the bench, as Newcastle go in search of what could be a crucial win.
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