Burnley v Newcastle United - The battle of the surprise packages

Burnley manager Sean Dyche may have to leave top-scorer Chris Wood out of the squad after he picked up a hamstring injury last weekend against Manchester City. Fellow forward Sam Vokes could return, but is likely to only make the bench.

Ashley Barnes would therefore appear the leading contender to play up front.

Another striker that is getting closer to a return to first-team action is Nahki Wells, who is yet to make his debut for his new club. Jon Walters will likely have to wait longer on the sidelines though.

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Ben Mee and James Tarkowski have formed an excellent centre-back partnership in the aftermath of Michael Keane's exit. That will continue against Newcastle.

Jeff Hendrick and Steven Defour have been prominent for the Tykes in recent matches, as has £10 million summer signing Jack Cork. Those three will all play in midfield. Dean Marney will not feature for the hosts.

Robbie Brady and Scott Arfield have been utilised on the wing this season, providing full-backs Stephen Ward and Matthew Lowton with the licence to get forward. Johann Berg Gudmundsson is an also an option for Dyche.

Dwight Gayle has been restricted to very little minutes so far this season, through both injury and a lack of form. He is available this weekend, but Joselu will probably continue as the lone striker regardless.

Forgotten man Massadio Haidara is also back and available for selection. The Frenchman will be hoping to resurrect his career on Tyneside.

The injury list features only Paul Dummett. The full-back has not featured since the opening day because of a hamstring injury. Javier Manquillo has drawn some praise in recent weeks, and will keep his place at left-back.

In fact, the back four is very likely to be unchanged, with Florian Lejeune impressing in the victory over Palace.

Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden were the two central midfielders against Crystal Palace last weekend, but with Mikel Merino coming off the bench and scoring, he may have gave Rafa Benitez a selection headache.

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Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu will play on the wings for the Magpies. Jacob Murphy has been given reassurances by his manager, but looks set to start from the bench once more.

Likely line ups

Burnley: Pope, Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Ward, Hendrick, Defour, Cork, Arfield, Barnes, Brady

Newcastle: Elliot, Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Manquillo, Shelvey, Merino, Ritchie, Perez, Atsu, Joselu

Score prediction: Burnley 1-1 Newcastle United

The game has been selected for Sky Sports TV coverage. You can also follow the match by tuning into BBC Radio Newcastle's live commentary, courtesy of the official NUFC website.