‘Clarets we are
RAFA Benitez admits Newcastle United are facing a Burnley team that have been in a false position for much of the season so far.
Burnley arrive on Tyneside in 14th place but qualified for Europe last season and it is only their Europa League campaign that has proved the difference for them this term.
Indeed, Burnley’s Europa League adjustment period saw them winning just two games in the first five months of the season, but they have slowly recovered and are fending off the threat of relegation impressively.
Benitez told the Chronicle: “When you finish seventh you have a strong team. You have a clear idea of what you want to do and how to do it.
“It’s not like the same group of players who finished seventh suddenly don’t know what to do.
“I think they had a bad start but little by little they have done better. When they had a couple of results together they regained their confidence.
“We are now watching a team that are quite strong and hard to beat.”
Benitez’s side beat Huddersfield Town on Saturday - a result that has staved off talk of the drop a little bit with 11 games to go.
When asked if he would take a point against an improving Burnley side, Benitez said: “To be fair we approach the game to get three points.
“We know there is not much time between the games but it is