Newcastle v Burton Albion Betting Tips: Magpies to prove too good at home

These two teams are still well involved at this business end of the season with Newcastle still hoping to lift the title whilst Burton Albion are simply looking to survive in their maiden season in the second tier.

Newcastle picked up a vital three points at the weekend against Wigan Athletic at the weekend to end a run of three without a win, putting them at the top of the Championship, one point clear of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Unsurprisingly, the Toon Army have been fantastic in both boxes throughout the course of the season with 72 goals scored and just 33 conceded. Having said that, they have only kept two clean sheets in their last seven matches and failed to score in two of their last four. Perhaps a sign that form could be slipping?

If the form will slip anywhere for Rafa Benitez’s men, it will be at home where Newcastle have generally been pretty poor this campaign. They may have won last time out at St James’s Park but their points tally of 38 from 19 games is ten behind Brighton’s 48 – the best record in the division. Furthermore, they have not kept a clean sheet in their last three on home soil.

Burton have made a good fist in their first season at this level and currently look on course to survive after two wins in their last three and just one loss since 11th February, putting them in 19th and four points above the drop-zone. One slip-up could still cost them though.

The Brewers started this season with a very attacking philosophy, particularly at home, but have since gone to a more solid foundation which has seen them keep four clean sheets in their last seven matches.

Nigel Clough’s side recorded a surprising victory in their last away match at promotion-chasing Huddersfield Town to end a run of four matches without a win. However, Burton still struggle for goals on their travels with just two goals scored in their last four – including the win at Huddersfield. Fortunately for them though, their solid defence means they are still undefeated in those four games. Whether they can pull of another shock upset at Newcastle remains to be seen.

With Newcastle desperately going for the title, I think they should pick up another win here. They will probably come flying out of the blocks and even this solid Burton back-line could struggle. If they win the first half then it’s hard to see any way back for the visiting team. ‘Newcastle to Win Half-Time/Full-Time’ is worth getting on at 13/10.

Read more from Thomas here.