Burnley vs Newcastle: Clarets boss Sean Dyche looking to play exciting football as Rafa Benitez backs Magpies to continue strong start

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Burnley host Newcastle in the Premier League on Monday with both sides looking to pick up points.

The hosts have made a solid start to the season and sit 10th in the table after nine matches whilst the visitors have exceeded expectations so far this term and find themselves eighth.

Here, Sean Dyche and Rafa Benitez preview the action to come from Turf Moor.

Sean Dyche in his own words

Are you still perceived as a long-ball manager?

I just want to be effective. I want to play exciting football, score goals, work with the players we’ve got so they can be successful. If I work with different players, I’ll look at it differently in how I can mould a successful team. 

One manager said to me: ‘Don’t worry about all of that, just keep winning.’ 

Why has it gone so well for you since taking charge?

You've got to remember, no one wanted me when I first got here, I think they wanted Ian Holloway and Mick McCarthy, so I wasn’t the people’s champion. You’ve got to win them over with good work. 

Burnley manager Sean Dyche is preparing to take on Newcastle on  Monday

What is the highlight of your time at Burnley?

The players we’ve got from nowhere, deemed not this or that, and their development. A lot of stories behind the scenes.

The new training ground is a huge part of your legacy

It's got to be part of it, but a lot of people were involved. I’d never been up here when I got here (in 2012).

We had three weeks when the weather was unbelievable then I didn’t see a clear day until March... every day like Mordor!

Rafa Benitez in his own words

Some thought you’d struggle but you began this week 7th

Our players have more confidence now because we are doing well. But we are not saying: ‘Ooh, we have 14 points and we are fine.’ No, no. If you approach the season thinking about having to survive then you will be down there fighting. So you have to approach it trying to be as high as possible in the table.

Where can you finish?

I will not say (survival) is the target because then I would be criticised for a lack of ambition. We will look at it again in January and the reason I say that is because by then we will have played the top sides and you will be exactly where you are for a reason.

Rafa Benitez is aiming to continue Newcastle's fine start to the season

Mikel Merino cost £6.5m so you can still find bargains?

We knew that it was a good price. He is a young player who signed for Borussia Dortmund, so it’s not like we knew he was a good player and nobody else did. But sometimes you have to act quicker.

Fans criticise Ayoze Perez but do you have faith in him?

I can read the comments and some people say this or that. But he’s doing well. He’s a clever player. He has good movement.

Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez has received criticism from fans this season 

BURNLEY FAN'S PREVIEW 

Tony Scholes (uptheclarets.com)

After all the speculation over vacancies at Leicester and Everton, hopefully Sean  Dychewill still be with us and can celebrate his fifth anniversary with a win. 

This could be low scoring — we’ve scored just four times at home and Chris Wood does not look likely to be fit.

NEWCASTLE FANS PREVIEW 

Tom Bore (readnewcastle.com)

With only Paul Dummett sidelined through injury, there will be no excuses for a full-strength Newcastle. 

Burnley have looked impressive in defence and it may be time for Aleksandar Mitrovic to start after another forgettable performance from Joselu.