Eddie Howe has told Friday’s press conference – as per the Northern Echo’s Miles Starforth – that he will play his strongest possible Newcastle side to take on Burnley, in what is a boost Leeds chances of avoiding relegation.
With Newcastle more than safe and having very little to play for on Sunday at Turf Moor, there was murmurs that Howe might bring in some of his second-string players. That might have given Burnley a chance of a result.
However, Howe is keen on finishing Newcastle’s season in the best-possible way with another win. Burnley, of course, need to at least match Leeds’ result against Brentford in order to avoid the drop come Sunday afternoon.
Leeds are away to Brentford and while both are on level points, the Clarets have a much-better goal difference. So, Leeds will have to get a better result than Burnley to stay up. Howe’s comments come as a boost to Leeds fans.
“We’ll pick our strongest team, and try and win the game. There’s no let up from our perspective. We’re determined to end the season on a high,” Howe said, as posted on Twitter by Starforth following Friday’s press conference.
Leeds boost: Howe to play strongest Newcastle side against Burnley
Everyone saw what Newcastle’s strongest side are capable of. Not only did they beat Arsenal 2-0 on Monday, but they blew the North Londoners away. The passion and desire is still there, despite having nothing to play for.
So, the same can be expected against Burnley. Arsenal had something to play for, they had to win to get fourth. Burnley have to get a result to prevent Leeds from leapfrogging them.
It is a boost, then, for Leeds to hear that Howe will field his strongest side at Turf Moor with the intention of beating Burnley. It might just give Leeds every chance of a dramatic escape from relegation.
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