Newcastle United’s starting line-up against West Ham United will feature at least one change.
Dan Burn has played every minute of the Magpies’ 2024-25 Premier League season so far but is forced to miss out on Monday night after picking up a fifth yellow card in the 3-1 win at Nottingham Forest.
Premier League rules state that any player shown five bookings in the opening 19 league matches is suspended for one match.
Newcastle United will be without Dan Burn for Monday night’s clash against West Ham.Newcastle United will be without Dan Burn for Monday night’s clash against West Ham.
Newcastle United will be without Dan Burn for Monday night’s clash against West Ham. | Getty Images
“It’s a blow to lose Dan because the defensive unit has been in a good place in recent weeks,” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted. “I thought Dan was very good against Nottingham Forest, I thought he played very well, defending crosses superbly and his aerial ability and mobility really helped us in that game.
“We’re going to miss him and his leadership skills but it’s an opportunity for someone else to come in and grab the opportunity. I feel we have players that are waiting to play so as much as we will miss Dan, we always back the players that are going to come in.”
Lloyd Kelly, who arrived on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth in the summer, is expected to come in for Burn. And that will represent a somewhat rare start for the 26-year-old considering he has started just five of the Magpies’ opening 14 matches in all competitions.
His last was the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Chelsea. And based on that display, there will be no qualms about selecting Kelly alongside Fabian Schar at centre-half.
“Lloyd is a very good player in both positions [centre-back & left-back],” said Howe. “Last year, for Bournemouth, he pretty much dovetailed between both positions very well. For us, he’s been used early season as a left-back, but the last few appearances he’s been a centre-back. He looked really comfortable on Wednesday and did really well.
“He is unique in the respect that he’s got really, really good top-end pace, is very athletic and has a lovely left foot as well. I’m very pleased with him.
“It’s early days for him, settling into a new club, but I think he’s adapted really well. Of course, I like him, having worked with him previously. I know the qualities that he brings. I think he’s going to be a really good signing for us.”
