Newcastle could be in for a struggle against man-in-form Gudmundsson

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United take on Burnley on Monday evening in the Premier League.

The Magpies are seeking their third straight league victory, after turning around their fortunes before the international break.

Rafa Benitez’s men beat Watford 1-0, and then Bournemouth 2-1 to lift themselves off out of the relegation zone.

On Monday they host Burnley, who have been struggling of late.

The Clarets drew 0-0 last time out with Leicester City, but before that suffered heavy defeats to West Ham United, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Sean Dyche’s side aren’t in good form as a collective, but Jóhann Berg Gudmundsson has had a particularly good season on a personal level.

Gudmundsson the clear threat

The Iceland international has weighed in with two goals and five assists in 11 Premier League appearances so far.

He has been Burnley’s most productive attacking player by some distance.

His threat is clear, and Newcastle will have to be extremely mindful of him on the night.

Currently they are sweating on the fitness of Paul Dummett as reported by Chronicle Live. He pulled out of Wales duty early with a muscle injury picked up against Denmark in the UEFA Nations League.

They will be really hoping he recovers in time, as Dummett is a reliable defender.

Should he fail to make the game, then the Magpies may have to field Ciaran Clark, Fabian Schar, Kenedy or outcast Achraf Lazaar at left back as Gudmundsson’s counter – options that Benitez surely cannot be all that comfortable with.