Newcastle United make the long trip down South to visit Eddie Howe’s former side Bournemouth for Saturdays evening kick off in the Premier League.
In their latest Premier League encounters, Eddie Howe’s new side Newcastle United were held at home to West Ham United in a 1-1 draw whilst Bournemouth were beaten 1-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion.
Kaoru Mitoma ruined any chance of the visitors leaving the Amex Stadium with a share of the points when his looping header found the back of the net in the 87th minute and as a result extended Bournemouth’s winless streak. Even though Bournemouth strengthened their side in the January transfer window, they know that they need to perform better if they are to improve in the second half of the season and stay in the top flight.
Gary O’Neils side are currently on a six game winless streak but unfortunately for them, five of them have been defeats and that’s left them situated down in the relegation zone…19th position to be precise. Some comfort can be taken out of this though as they are only two points adrift of 17th place so if other results go their way this weekend and if they beat Newcastle, they climb out of the bottom three.
If Bournemouth are to overcome their northern visitors on Saturday evening, they will need to improve on their woeful record of finding the net just once in their last 540 minutes of top flight football. Their defence will have to be on top form too, with a total of 43 goals conceded it makes them the team with the worst defensive record in the league. Their visitors this weekend also happen to boast the best defensive record in the league.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United may have reached the Final of this years Carabao Cup with a fine 3-1 aggregate victory over Southampton but they looked tired last weekend as West Ham frustrated them in a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.
Joe Willock thought he gave his side the lead within the first minute but it was correctly ruled out by VAR for once. Callum Wilson’s strike inside three minutes did put the Magpies in-front but Lucas Paqueta tucked away before half time to make sure both sides got a share of the points. Despite the draw, Newcastle remain in fourth position and also have a game in hand over Tottenham in fifth place who are one point behind. Victory over the Cherries will see them overtake third placed side Manchester United on goal difference.
Last weekends draw against West Ham made it four draws out of the last five top flight fixtures but they are still unbeaten in 16 premier league games which is the current longest unbeaten run this term. When it comes to head to heads so far this season, Alexander Isak scored from the penalty spot back in September as their match at St James’ Park ended in a draw then when the two sides met in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at SJP, the Magpies won that tie 1-0 thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Adam Smith. That also was their seventh consecutive match without a defeat against Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Team News: Gary O’Neil will definitely be without at least five players for Saturdays clash. Lloyd Kelly, Jack Stephens, Junior Stanislas, Ryan Fredericks and David Brooks are all sidelined. Late calls will be made on Lewis Cook, Dominic Solanke and Marcus Tavernier. Loanee arrival Hamed Traore should retain his place in the number ten role.
Newcastle Team News: Bruno Guimaraes will definitely miss out as he is serving the second of his three game ban. Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett remain on the injury list. Eddie Howe has confirmed that Alexander Isak will be in contention to start, he missed out the draw at West Ham due to concussion protocols following the Semi Final Second Leg clash against Southampton. Despite a below par performance against the Hammers, Allan Saint-Maximin is set to retain his place in the side despite Anthony Gordon’s promising cameo.
Sutty’s Match Prediction: I predict a win for Eddie Howe’s Magpies despite the fact there is no Bruno in their midfield. With Callum Wilson ending his goal drought last weekend, should he start the match, I can see him finding a way past the Cherries defence and scoring against his former side. My final score prediction being Bournemouth 0 Newcastle United 2.
@jsuttonwrites
11.02.2023
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