When Newcastle United signed both Matt Targett and Sven Botman during the summer transfer window, it was perhaps expected that Dan Burn could lose his place in Eddie Howe’s side.

The giant centre-back, who joined from Brighton in January last season, was brilliant for the Toon as they turned their 2021/22 season around, going from relegation candidates to finishing just outside of the top half.

Burn would make 16 appearances in the Premier League for Howe’s side, averaging a superb 6.98 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

But, at 30, he looked likely to be displaced by Newcastle’s marquee summer signing in Botman, with the Toon paying £35m to sign the highly-rated Dutchman from Lille.

However, Burn has shown his quality and versatility to keep his place in Howe’s side, despite the former Bournemouth manager opting for a centre-back partnership of Botman and Fabian Schar on most occasions this season.

Former Celtic man Frank McAvennie was full of praise last season for the impact that Burn has had at Newcastle, saying:

“He looks a confident boy, which is great for the boys around the training ground. He’s a player who talks all the way through games. He gives that bit extra as well as a Newcastle fan. They absolutely love him and it’s easy to see why after that ridiculous impact he’s had.”

The six-foot-six defender has been very impressive when featuring as a left-back, averaging a strong 6.83 rating from WhoScored, and Howe must ensure that the experienced defender starts again there on Saturday when Newcastle face Brentford.

A lot of the Bees’ attacking play comes through their talisman Ivan Toney, with the England striker having won the third-most aerial battles in the Premier League this season.

Like any good target man, Toney will drift wide and challenge the full-backs in the air, but Howe can eliminate the left-hand side by starting Burn there again, as only Botman and Schar have won more aerial duels this season.

The former Newcastle man has started the season in inspired form, scoring five goals and assisting twice in the opening eight Premier League games, so he will need shackling if the Toon are going to pick up a result on Saturday.

There is no doubt that Toney poses a real threat to Newcastle’s defence so Howe can give his side the best chance by playing the more dominant Burn over Targett at left-back.