Newcastle United travel to Turf Moor on Tuesday night knowing the importance of the occasion as they look to close out 2025 on a far more positive note. Recent weeks have been frustrating for Eddie Howe and his squad, with performances not always matching expectations and results proving difficult to come by.
This trip to face Burnley feels like a real chance to reset, rebuild confidence, and remind everyone of what this team is capable of when things click.
Away form has been one of Newcastle’s biggest concerns this season. While St James’ Park has often been a place of energy and belief, results on the road have been harder to secure.
That said, Burnley’s struggles make this fixture an opportunity Newcastle simply cannot afford to waste. Burnley are locked in a relegation fight and have found consistency just as elusive, which gives the Magpies a clear opening to take control of the game if they approach it with focus and intensity.
Newcastle head into this match with just one win from their last five Premier League games, a run that includes two draws and two defeats. The Boxing Day loss to Manchester United was another blow, especially as it marked a third consecutive league game without a win.
Those dropped points have left Newcastle sitting 14th in the table, a position that feels uncomfortable given the quality in the squad. With 23 points from 18 matches, they are closer to the bottom three than they are to the European places, which highlights how quickly momentum has slipped away.
Still, history offers some encouragement. Newcastle have enjoyed this fixture in recent years, winning their last seven Premier League meetings with Burnley.
Even more reassuring is their record at Turf Moor, where they have taken maximum points on each of their last three visits. That kind of dominance can provide a mental edge, especially at a time when confidence needs a lift.
Injuries continue to shape Howe’s team selection, particularly in defence, where options are extremely limited. With several defenders ruled out, Newcastle are expected to field a makeshift back line once again.
Nick Pope remains a doubt, meaning Aaron Ramsdale is likely to keep his place in goal. In front of him, Lewis Miley may be asked to slot in at right-back, alongside Malick Thiaw and Fabian Schar in the centre, with Lewis Hall completing the back four on the left. It is far from ideal, but necessity has forced Howe to be creative.
The midfield is one area where stability has been found. Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Jacob Ramsey are expected to continue together, offering a blend of control, energy, and technical quality.
Their ability to dictate the tempo will be crucial, especially away from home. Joelinton is pushing hard for a return to the starting lineup, but Howe may choose continuity over change in such an important match.
Up front, there could be an interesting decision. Yoane Wissa is pushing to make his first Premier League start for Newcastle after being carefully managed following his return to fitness.
His movement and direct style could offer something different, and he may be given the nod ahead of Nick Woltemade. On the wings, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy are expected to retain their places, providing pace, width, and a constant threat on the counter.
All signs point to Newcastle lining up in a familiar 4-3-3 shape, with Ramsdale in goal, a patched-up defence, a strong midfield core, and an attacking trio designed to stretch Burnley’s back line.
On paper, Newcastle have enough quality to get the job done. The challenge will be showing the right mentality, cutting out mistakes, and taking chances when they come.
This match is about more than just three points. It is about ending the year with belief, restoring confidence within the squad, and giving supporters something positive to hold onto.
A convincing performance and result at Turf Moor could be the spark Newcastle need to kick-start a stronger second half of the season.
