Mark Lawrenson gives Burnley scoreline verdict ahead of huge relegation battle clash

Writing his weekly prediction piece for BBC Sport, pundit Mark Lawrenson gave his scoreline verdict, and opting for a 1-1 draw.

Explaining his choice, the ex-Liverpool star contended: "A win would be a massive boost for Newcastle in their relegation battle. Similarly for Burnley, a victory for them would as good as put them safe.

“The Magpies were decent in their draw with Tottenham last weekend and I think they will build on that by getting something here. I just don't see Burnley being beaten though.

Lawro's opponent for the week, film star Steve Guttenberg, went for a 2-0 away win for the Magpies, and revealed: “I've never had a night out in Burnley, but I had a great time when I went to Newcastle so, on that basis, I'm going with them to win.”

When the two sides last faced each other, back in October, Newcastle secured a 3-1 win at St James' Park.

Meanwhile, ahead of the game, Clarets man Erik Pieters has discussed his battle for the starting left-back spot with Charlie Taylor, and revealed: "I love competition to prove I'm the better one and Charlie is the same, so we have a good relationship. It is good and we're nice and chilled, relaxed about it.

“We do our thing and everything is focused on Burnley and not our personal thing, we keep that aside. We are here for Burnley, the team, the lads and the first level is to give everything and they know we are here for them.”