Prediction: Burnley vs Newcastle United

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Bet 365

Burnley will be hoping to continue their strong start to the season on Monday night as they entertain a Newcastle United side also performing well in the Premier League.

Burnley

It’s been a successful start to the season for Burnley and they currently find themselves eighth in the league with 13 points from eight games. Sean Dyche’s men had been installed as relegation candidates prior to the campaign but they have been surprising, especially on the road where they have already taken maximum points from Chelsea and Everton, while also gaining respectable draws at Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. This is a far cry from last year’s away record in which the Claret’s didn’t manage their first away win until April. Burnley’s six match unbeaten run came to an end last week as they yielded 3-0 to leader’s Manchester City and Dyche will be determined not to slip into a bad run of form with his side only scoring five times in their last eight matches. Barring the City game, the Clarets had only conceded four goals in that period and will count on their defensive display if they are to get anything out of their game against Newcastle.

Team News

Tom Heaton and Jon Walters look set to miss out due to injury, while Dean Marney, Sam Vokes, and Chris Wood are also doubtful.

Newcastle

After a terrible start to the season in which Newcastle lost their first two games, they have since gone on to only suffer defeat once in seven matches, winning four of those. The Magpies are seventh in the league and will be full of confidence, especially after an 86th minute winner secured all three points last time out against basement club Crystal Palace. One problem that manager Rafa Benitez will be keen to address is the poor form his side has shown away from St James Park. The North-East club have only picked up four points on their travels and have already lost to newly-promoted teams Huddersfield and Brighton & Hove Albion. Even though Burnley are also enjoying their start to the campaign, Benitez will earmark this match as one in which they can gain maximum reward from. Fans will be expecting a tight, close game but Newcastle are looking a prospect this season which also reflects their manager’s expertise and experience in the league.

Team News

Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara will miss the match due to injury, while Dwight Gayle may also miss the trip to Lancashire.

Key Factors to Consider

• Burnley have only scored five goals in their last eight matches
• Newcastle have only lost once in seven games (W4 D2)
• Coming into this game, four of the 14 red cards in the Premier League have come against Burnley
• Newcastle have won 14 points so far this season which is the best points tally at this stage by a newly promoted team since West Ham United in 2012-13 (14)

Conclusion

This is going to be a tight match in which both teams will hope one goal will be enough to gain maximum points. However, Burnley’s lack of firepower up front and Newcastle’s poor away form may mean that they cancel each other out.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Bet 365