Newcastle United vs. Burnley – EPL, October 3, 2020

It is very likely that both these two clubs will struggle in the EPL this season, so it is crucial that early fixtures are won. Neither Newcastle and Burnley have started particularly well, so there is a lot of pressure on both managers.

Sean Dyche may be feeling it a little more but Newcastle is always seemingly one move away from disaster. So Steve Bruce will be keen to put another three points on the board this Saturday.

Burnley has lost both of its opening two games this season but BetOnline is still loathed to make the Clarets the outsiders here. The prices are very close, with Newcastle only just afforded the status of favorite, even though it is the home side. This could be a very close game.

Newcastle was the beneficiary of the latest controversial handball/VAR decision last weekend as Callum Wilson stepped up to put away the stoppage time penalty that earned his team a point away at Spurs. It probably wasn’t deserved after the way Newcastle had played – but Steve Bruce will happily take it.

The result summed up Newcastle’s performances this season. You never really know what team will turn up and how it will play against any of its opponents in the Premier League. The opening day win against West Ham showed promise before the surprise home defeat to Brighton. Then a lucky penalty gives it the point against Tottenham.

Burnley is altogether more straightforward. Sean Dyche is in desperate need of new recruits as his limited squad deals with a number of injuries. Dale Stephens has come in from Brighton and should do a very good job in the middle of the pitch. But only one that was performed by Jeff Hendrick last year – and he will be turning out for the home side on Saturday.

There are problems in both defense and attack for the visiting team as well. Dyche’s best defenders are out injured and it looks like it will be down to Chris Wood to get the goals for the foreseeable future. That probably means that we can expect a fairly stereotypical tactical ploy from Burnley this weekend.

When you compare the wage bills and turnover of the clubs in the league, it is a surprise that Burnley has competed for so long now in the top flight. This could be the season that all that ends though – especially if there are no new players coming through the door soon. The odds for a Newcastle win look good because of the inconsistency of the club’s performances, but that works in our favor here.