Bournemouth make the long trip to Newcastle on Saturday, and we’ve got all the team news and confirmed lineups for the match, as well as a preview and prediction.
Newcastle vs Bournemouth Preview
Newcastle are flying high right now, with their 3-0 victory over Wolves on Wednesday marking their ninth consecutive win across all competitions.
Eddie Howe’s side are firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish and another Champions League campaign. Despite a slow start to the season, Newcastle have found their rhythm, and the Toon Army is dreaming big once again.
However, Bournemouth won’t be an easy opponent on Saturday. Andoni Iraola’s men have mightily impressed this season and are also in contention for European football.
Even with key injuries, they thrashed West Brom 5-0 in the FA Cup and secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Chelsea in midweek. With momentum also on their side, Bournemouth will be eager to cause an upset at St James’ Park.
The best betting sites favour Newcastle, priced generally around 8/13, while Bournemouth are priced at a generous 4/1. The draw, which has been a common result in recent meetings, is available at 16/5.
Howe has won just once in six attempts against his former club, but Bournemouth have only beaten Newcastle once in that span, with the other four games ending in draws.
Newcastle Team News
Newcastle’s injury situation has improved, with Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, Nick Pope, and Jamaal Lascelles the only absentees.
Eddie Howe has a settled lineup at his disposal, and with the team in red-hot form, he is unlikely to make too many changes.
Bournemouth Team News
Bournemouth’s injury list is more concerning, with Evanilson, Enes Unal, Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott, Marco Senesi, Adam Smith, Marcus Tavernier, and Julian Araujo all sidelined.
Despite these setbacks, Iraola’s side has found a way to remain competitive, with Antoine Semenyo stepping up as a key attacking threat.
Newcastle vs Bournemouth Confirmed Lineups
Newcastle: Dubravka; Livramento, Burn, Botman, Hall; Guimaraes, Joelinton, Tonali; Gordon, Murphy, Isak.
Bournemouth: Kepa; Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Kerkez; Cook, Adams; Kluivert, Christie, Brooks, Semenyo; Ouattara.
Newcastle vs Bournemouth Prediction
Given Newcastle’s exceptional form and Bournemouth’s injury woes, the Magpies are expected to edge this encounter. However, recent history suggests this could be a close game, with four of the last six meetings ending in draws.
A one-goal Newcastle victory looks like a strong possibility, while Anthony Gordon could be a good punt to score anytime.
Both teams to score (BTTS) has landed in three of the last four meetings, so that seems like a solid bet too.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Bournemouth
