Steve Bruce has called for patience and balance after Newcastle fans criticised poor recent performances. Although results have been perhaps better than Bruce’s team deserved – they have lost only one of the last six games – the mood is increasingly hostile. “We all need time,” he said. “And I’m trying to change us from a team with a deep sitting back five to a more forward thinking side with a back four. You expect criticism but you hope it would be balanced.” Given that Sean Dyche and Burnley have troubles of their own Bruce could do with winning this one. Louise Taylor
Saturday 8pm Sky Sports Premier League
Venue St James’ Park
Last season Newcastle 0 Burnley 0
Referee David Coote
This season G1 Y7 R0 7 cards/game
Odds H 6-4 A 11-5 D 9-4
NEWCASTLE
Subs from Gillespie, Krafth, Carroll, Joelinton, Fraser, S Longstaff, Yedlin, Schär, Clark, Murphy, Saint-Maximin
Doubtful Clark (thigh), Saint-Maximin (ankle), Lascelles (match fitness), Krafth (knock)
Injured Dummett (knee, 17 Oct), Dubravka (ankle, 17 Oct), Ritchie (shoulder, unknown), M Longstaff (calf, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y9 R0
Form WLD
Leading scorer Wilson 2
BURNLEY
Subs from Driscoll-Glennon, Norris, Lowton, Dunne, Benson, Vydra, O’Neill, Brady
Doubtful Brady (abdominal), Lowton (ankle)
Injured Gudmundsson (match fitness, 17 Oct), Mee (hamstring, 17 Oct), Rodriguez (ankle, 17 Oct), Cork (ankle, 31 Oct)
Suspended None
Discipline Y3 R0
Form LL
Leading scorers Dunne, Wood 1
