OPINION
Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce is expected to make around three changes to his starting line-up for Saturday afternoon’s trip to Burnley.
The Magpies head to Turf Moor looking to continue their recent positive run of form, but will no doubt find Sean Dyche’s side stiff opposition.
Allan Saint-Maximin is out injured, while Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie revealed on Friday that Ciaran Clark will also be absent and Jonjo Shelvey and Miguel Almiron are doubts as well.
The Frenchman, Irishman and Englishman will likely miss out on Saturday, then, with Christian Atsu, Fabian Schar and Sean Longstaff almost certain to replace them.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has been one of the Premier League’s finest shot-stoppers once again this season, and so can expect to start at Turf Moor.
Meanwhile, Javier Manquillo is on a solid run of form at right wing back and will surely start here. The same is very likely the case for Jetro Willems on the opposite side of the defence.
At centre back, Clark is seemingly out. As such, Schar will almost certainly be the man to come in for him. He will most probably partner Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummett at the heart of the defence.
The middle of the park will surely see a slight alteration. There’s no need for Bruce to risk Shelvey if he’s got a problem, not with the elder Longstaff a ready-made replacement.
However, with Saint-Maximin definitely out, Almiron will likely be forced to start despite his knock. The former Atlanta United man can expect to see Atsu on the opposite flank in Saint-Maximin’s place.
And up front, Bruce will surely keep faith with Joelinton despite his continued struggles this season.
