Well here it is then. The clash of Newcastle seeking their first PL win of the season with a Burnley side that has a solitary win from their opening 13 fixtures. The clash of Sean Dyche with his predecessor at Burnley Eddie Howe. The clash of Saudi riches with thrifty Lancashire grit. The clash of the Maxes: Maxwel Cornet v Allan Saint-Maximin.

Newcastle will be desperate to get that first league win against the Clarets as their next four fixtures see them travel to Leicester and Liverpool followed by home games against Manchester City and a rejuvenated Manchester United. For their home match against Norwich, Newcastle United Supporters Group Wor Flags hung out a banner on the Gallowgate proclaiming “Make Each Day Your Masterpiece”. Unfortunately the masterpiece was somewhat tarnished as central defender Ciaran Clark was sent for an early bath and the ten man Magpies were unable to hold on to the lead given to them by a Callum Wilson penalty. Club captain Jamaal Lascelles who was suspended for the visit of the Canaries should return to replace Clark and there could be a start for fans favourite Federico Fernandez. Joelinton and St Maximin are expected to line up alongside Wilson in a front three with Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey anchoring the midfield.

Burnley picked up a valuable away point in midweek when they travelled to Molineux and held Wolves to a 0-0 draw. James Tarkowski and Ashley Westwood who were suspended for that fixture will come back into contention for starting places. Tarkowski remains the subject of much speculation as we head towards the January transfer window with both Newcastle and West Ham linked with moves for his signature.

Burnley travelled to St James’ Park in August in a Carabao Cup 2nd Round tie. After a scoreless ninety minutes played in front of a 30,000 crowd the Clarets won the penalty shoot out 4-3 with Charlie Taylor slotting home the decisive spot kick. The competition, the personnel, the atmosphere and the stakes will all be different this time around. A moderate breeze is forecast in Tyneside for 3pm on Saturday with a temperature of around 4 degrees. The match referee is Paul Tierney with Lee Mason on VAR. Here’s hoping we break Geordie hearts. COYC!