Prediction: Burnley vs Newcastle

Verdict: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Bet365

Looking to continue their form prior to the international break, Rafa Benitez’s side will travel to a struggling Turf Moor on Monday night.

Burnley

Starting with the hosts, while Burnley may have enjoyed a record breaking season that saw them claim a Europa League qualifying position last year, it has been a very sluggish start for Sean Dyche’s side. Playing out a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Leicester prior to the international break, the Clarets are now without a win in their last five Premier League matches. Now sat just a single point above the drop zone many fans around Turf Moor concerned they could be at the heart of a relegation scrap. If Burnley are to mount a push up the table, Dyche will know the importance of improving on their form in the final third. Failing to score in three of their last four league matches, they have had the fewest shots on target (30) than anyone else in the top flight. Their longstanding boss will also have on eye on improving his sides recent record on home soil. With just one win at Turf Moor this year, they have now failed to win any of the last eight league matches they have hosted.

Team News

Burnley are likely to be without James Tarkowski, who had hernia surgery during the international break.

Fears that Steven Defour had re-injured his knee have proved unfounded, while Johann Berg Gudmundsson has recovered from a calf injury.

Newcastle

Although it may have been a slow start to the season for Newcastle, under the guidance of Rafa Benitez the Magpies enjoyed a positive run before the international break. Picking up a 2-1 win over Europa League contenders Bournemouth a fortnight ago, the Magpies have now won their last two on the bounce and are unbeaten in their last three. While they are still looking for their first  away win this season, they are aiming to keep consecutive Premier League away clean sheets for the first time since December 2013. If the visitors are to carry on their recent run of form, Benitez will be looking for summer arrival Salomon Rondon to lead from the front. The 29-year-old opened his Premier League account with a brace against the Cherries and also found the net in West Brom’s 2-1 defeat against Burnley last season.

Team News

Newcastle left-back Paul Dummett misses out after sustaining a calf problem playing for Wales.

Jamaal Lascelles (shoulder), Jonjo Shelvey and Yoshinori Muto (both calf) will face fitness tests.

Key Factors to Consider

• Burnley are enduring a five-match winless run in the Premier League (D2, L3).
• They have won just one of their last eight home league games (D2, L5).
• Newcastle have won successive Premier League games, having failed to win any of their first 10 this season.
• They are yet to win a league match away from home this season (D3, L2).
• Salomon Rondon scored a brace against Bournemouth last time out.

Conclusion

While Newcastle are still looking for their first win away from the North West, the Magpies should see this as a perfect opportunity to extend on their recent run of form. Given Burnley have now failed to win any of their last eight matches at Turf Moor, we’re backing Rafa Benitez’s side to come away with a close fought three points on Monday night.

Verdict: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Bet365