Burnley will pitch up at St James Park praying that they can prevent Newcastle striding to their third successive Premier League victory.
At least they ought to avoid the shuddering fate of their fellow promotion passengers Sheffield United but will they avoid defeat?
Here is a topsy turvy stat which might give them hope – except it doesn’t tell the real story. Why? Well Burnley are unbeaten away but glance beneath the surface and you discover the Clarets have played only one match on the road – a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest – while they have lost all four of their games at Turf Moor. Hardly a ringing endorsement.
Vincent Kompany, an elite on-field leader when Manchester City started trophy collecting, realises only too well what stiff opposition Eddie Howe’s juggernaut will provide. He is experiencing the other side of Premier League life after the Etihad. Poverty Alley as opposed to Millionaire Row.
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amid Newcastle interest
Howe for his part is trying to become a clever Las Vegas gambler shuffling his cards to spread the load that regular midweek games bring.
And, brother, is it working at the moment. Three wins and a draw away to AC Milan in the Champions League with four clean sheets. European champions tucked up in the League Cup and
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