Newcastle United play host to Burnley on Saturday afternoon having gone four games without success in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Burnley make the trip to St James' Park having recorded 13 points from a possible 15, a run which has taken the Clarets into contention for a European place.

Match preview

In January, after a run of seven Premier League defeats in nine, Burnley fans could have been forgiven for wanting a change in the dugout in order to boost their chances of remaining in the top flight.

However, Sean Dyche deserves huge credit for a revival which has resulted in four wins and a draw being recorded since January 19, which includes victories over Leicester City and Manchester United.

Such an improvement in form has led to relegation no longer being in Burnley's thinking, with the focus instead being on trying to claim a top-seven finish.

Despite Dyche wanting his players to continue to concentrate on one game at a time, they can now perform with an element of freedom as they bid to make their presence felt during the closing months of the campaign.

Although some tough fixtures are on their immediate schedule, neither Dyche or his squad will have any fear about the task in hand while all facets of their game are in perfect working order.

As far as Newcastle are concerned, they have put together a contrasting run of form to their next opponents, picking up just two points from their last four matches.

While Steve Bruce has talked up the club's chances in the FA Cup, such comments came when the Magpies were performing well in the Premier League, but that has changed in recent weeks.

Newcastle have failed to score in their last three top-flight fixtures against Norwich City, Arsenal and Crystal Palace respectively, leaving the club just seven points above the drop zone.

One positive result will change the mood in the North-East, but a fifth game without a league win on Saturday will put Bruce under increasing pressure heading into a crucial period of the season.

Newcastle United Premier League form: DWDDLL
Newcastle United form (all competitions): DDDWLL

Burnley Premier League form: LWWDWW
Burnley form (all competitions): WWLDWW

Team News

Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood are both closing in on a return to action for Burnley, although the pair may have to make do with a spot among the replacements.

Johan Berg Gudmundsson could also stay on the substitutes' bench with Dyche likely to go with an unchanged starting lineup.

However, Bruce is expected to make changes to his Newcastle XI, one being enforced due to the suspension of Valentino Lazaro.

DeAndre Yedlin is pushing for a recall at right-back, while Isaac Hayden will hope to feature in central midfield.

While Dwight Gayle is an option in attack, Bruce may prefer to persist with Joelinton.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Yedlin, Fernandez, Lascelles, Schar, Rose; Almiron, Hayden, Bentaleb, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton

Burnley possible starting lineup:
Pope; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Hendrick, Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Rodriguez, Vydra

We say: Newcastle United 1-2 Burnley

Newcastle need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible, and Bruce will expect a strong performance from his side this weekend. However, we cannot ignore the confidence and fight within the Burnley ranks, something which should take them to victory in the North-East.