Eddie Howe knows Burnley all too well.

Having spent just over 18 months in the home dugout at Turf Moor, the former Burnley manager will know how big of a game this is for his home side.

The Claret's 1-1 draw at Old Trafford has earned them five points from their last three games, giving them a chance of survival.

However, they are facing a Newcastle United side who have hit form at the right time as they look to break into a European football league position.

Howe is not underestimating his old side stating, he respects the style of play they have implemented in the Premier League this season.

"Burnley are an interesting team because of how they play. I think Vincent has done a very good job and been very true to his principles.

"They are very expansive and play an attractive style of football. They've not deviated from that all season despite some difficult periods for them and they deserve a lot of credit for that," Howe stated.

Newcastle's manager was keen to praise Vincent Kompany and how Turf Moor will provide a stiff test with the home looking to build on their three-game unbeaten run.

"I think the manager deserves a lot of credit for his strength of identity and they are reaping the rewards of that in this period towards the end of the season.

"I think it's one defeat in eight and I know Turf Moor very well. It's a difficult place to go for any team so we'll be ready for the game."

Mixed news on injuries Over the last ten games, Newcastle have only lost three games whilst winning five of them leaving them sixth in the form table.

Yet their away form has been the concern as all these defeats have come on the road against Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Albeit these teams have been in form, considering how solid Newcastle were last season it's still surprising how open they have been.

Howe might use the excuse of having severe injuries crippling his backline.

At least there is some good news on the horizon with Nick Pope training this week and could be part of the matchday squad.

The Magpies have also seen Miguel Almiron and Joelinton outside on the grass in preparation against Burnley, giving Howe options for his lineup on Saturday.

"We've had Miggy (Miguel) and Joelinton return to training this week, their first steps back into full team training, he remarked.

"We've also seen that with Nick Pope so it's been a really good week to have three experienced, quality players back."

Yet Howe did put caution on the players returning from injury being thrown straight back into the starting eleven.

"We'll see after today (if they are available for Burnley). I've got to make the right decisions for them individually and for the team.

"Respectively, they've been out different time lengths with significant injuries so we need to make sure we make this call right."

It was not all positive news, as the club confirmed Fabian Schar will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.

The Swiss international has been in fine form during the second half of the season, netting goals in big wins against Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.

"Fabian will miss a period of time out with a minor hamstring problem. He won't be available tomorrow and I doubt we'll see him again this season."

As well Kieran Trippier is still unavailable but is making steps towards making a return to training next week.

The England international has been missing for two months with a calf injury but is hopeful of making a comeback for the end of the season.

"Kieran lies just slightly behind the guys that have come back. He hasn't trained this week. He's been away training by himself with our physiotherapist.

"We anticipate he'll be back next week to train. I say that with fingers crossed and he could be involved before the end of the season."

It was confirmed that Sandro Tonali was given a suspended two-month ban after admitting to breaching Football Association betting rules.

Although the Italian international will miss two month months of playing time with Newcastle Howe thought it was the correct decision to suspend the ban.

"I think it's the right decision the FA have arrived at, that his ban isn't extended. Sandro is currently working hard behind the scenes", the Newcastle manager explained.

"Sandro is currently working behind the scenes. He's trained very well but, we're still supporting him and helping him as he serves this time.

"He's been very consistent. Of course, I see a small fraction of his life in the time he's at the training ground and he's a very good professional.

"He's still relatively quiet within the group but I think that's just his personality. That's not in a negative way- he's really focussed on his football and improving his game."

The Magpies could of done with Tonali's availability in a season where their midfield has been decimated by injuries.

The 23-year-old made a blistering start with a goal and man-of-the-match performance against Villa on the opening day.

It has gone downhill for the former AC Milan player ever since but his manager still has confidence that Newcastle's big-money summer signing will come good next season when his ban has finished.

"I've seen the hunger (to return) there all through the time. He's trained at a really good level and he's done a lot of work on his own.

"We've covered loads of aspects of his game to try and help him and utilise the time in a positive way."