The young Magpies were narrowly beaten in their first outing of 2018 at Norwich City on Sunday, going down 4-3 despite goals from Owen Bailey, Mo Sangare and Macaulay Gillesphey.

That result at the Canaries’ Colney training centre brought United’s fine recent run, which had seen them win their last four matches in all competitions, to an end.

But Newcastle’s second string have a chance to return to winning ways against the Clarets in the Premier League Cup, with both teams joint top of Group D on six points apiece.

In the reverse meeting between the sides back in September, United were beaten 4-3 at Whitley Park despite Lewis McNall’s brace and a goal from Sangare.

A win on Thursday would return Newcastle to the summit, leaving them in pole position for qualification for the last 16 with two group games – against Swansea City and Colchester United – remaining.