Scott Parker says Newcastle United have three of the best players in the division as he prepares his Burnley side for St James' Park clash
Former Newcastle United midfielder Scott Parker will return to St James' Park on Saturday as manager of Burnley as the two sides meet in a 3 pm kick-off in the Premier League.
Scott Parker captained Newcastle United to Intertoto Certificate glory in what has gone down as the biggest achievement in his and the club's history. Many fans will remember that historic photo of Parker holding the Intertoto prize aloft amid all the confetti and fireworks that the achievement deserved.
However, all of that elation and goodwill will be forgotten on Saturday when Parker returns with Burnley to try and prevent his side suffering a sixth successive defeat.
Parker knows that it will not be an easy task, though, as his side has struggled to adapt to the Premier League this season.
Scott Parker is envious of Newcastle United's midfield
In his pre-match press conference, Parker highlighted the big danger Newcastle carry in midfield, saying they have three of the best players in the division when a reporter mentioned Bruno Guimares, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.
“Very good midfielders, the three you mentioned, probably right up there with the best in the whole division. Compliment each other very well, physically and technically.
“We’ll embrace that challenge that our boys are coming up against.”
That midfield trio may not be on the pitch against Burnley on Saturday, but it's no let-off for Scott Parker
Sandro Tonali is touch-and-go as to whether he'll feature tomorrow after picking up a knock in the game against Tottenham on Tuesday, which forced him out of the game at half time.
Unfortunately for Parker, though, that just means that in-form Lewis Miley is likely to start again for Newcastle, and he's probably the most in-form of all of our midfield crop right now.
The 19-year-old scored one and assisted one in the win over Everton, and while he didn't manage to add to his goal contributions against Spurs, he looked bright once again and could be in the side on merit rather than just because of a Tonali injury.
