In their matchup with the Clarets on Saturday afternoon, the Magpies will be hopeful that their recent winning streak will continue.
After destroying Sheffield United 8-0 the previous time out, Newcastle United will host Burnley at St. James’ Park this afternoon with the goal of extending their Premier League winning streak to three games.
The Magpies, under the direction of Eddie Howe, had a difficult start to the season after defeating Aston Villa 5-1 in the opener, dropping three straight league games, but they have since reacted forcefully.
The divisional feats are strengthened by a recent victory over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, while last week, Newcastle kicked off their Champions League campaign with a battling away draw against AC Milan at the San Siro.
With Burnley now awaiting, perhaps Howe might be inclined to unleash Tino Livramento once again, who dazzled against Pep Guardiola’s side on Wednesday.
What position is Tino Livramento?
Livramento was signed from Southampton for an initial £32m in the summer, with the full-back joining to bolster the wide flanks and provide competition for the likes of Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn, who usually start on either flank of the central defence.
While Saints suffered relegation from the Premier League last year, Livramento was unable to join the fight due to a long-term injury that restricted him to just two substitute appearances at the end of the season.
And joining the Magpies, he has had to bide his time for his maiden start, but took his opportunity with aplomb in midweek and produced a stunning performance from the defensive right channel, making eight tackles, winning 11 of his 18 contested duels and completing 93% of his passes, as per Sofascore.
Henry Winter of The Times, who was in awe of his performance against the treble winners, remarked, “Tino Livramento man of the match imo. Excellent at controlling Jack Grealish. calm, focused, mobile, and unafraid.
Trippier, who had three assists in a hat-trick last Sunday against the Blades, will be eager to go back into the starting lineup, but Howe will undoubtedly be thinking about giving his 20-year-old superstar the chance to continue what might be a meteoric ascent.
Should Newcastle play Joelinton against Burnley?
One player who surely does warrant a return to the starting Premier League teamsheet is Joelinton, with the all-conquering midfielder missing the past two top-flight encounters with a knee injury but since returning to provide the decisive assist against the Citizens.
Signed from German side Hoffenheim for a formerly club-record £40m in 2019 as a striker, the Brazilian languished for years before a tactical tweak shifted him into a midfield role, where he now prospers as a resurgent member of this fast-rising Newcastle side.
He is among the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues according to FBref over the past year for goals, top 205 for progressive carries, top 9% for successful take-ons, top 14% for interceptions, top 11% for blocks, and top 8% for aerial wins per 90. He is also among the top 6% for successful take-ons.
The “immense” £85k per week machine, who has been praised by journalist Josh Bunting, will bring the tenacity and defense-crashing presence necessary to get through Burnley’s toughness. Burnley will also try to inject their own passing style into the game.
Leave a Reply