Newcastle United travel to the South Coast on the back of a 1-1 draw against West Ham at the weekend with Eddie Howe keen to get back to winning ways.
Howe has had plenty to ponder since that stalemate at St James' Park with his squad still in a good place and unbeaten in the Premier League since August. With Bournemouth struggling for form, United have a golden chance of an away in the top-flight for the first time since Boxing Day at Leicester City.
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Is Alexander Isak fit and in contention for a starting slot against the Cherries?
The Sweden international has not started a Premier League encounter since the last time Newcastle played Bournemouth back in September when he scored from the penalty spot. Since then he has recovered from a thigh injury which has wiped out most of his season since the £63million move from Real Sociedad.
A concussion injury sidelined him from the team that were held by the Hammers but he has been declared fit by Howe and has trained this week. With Callum Wilson back in the goals you'd fancy the number 9 to start this weekend and the signs seem to point towards Allan Saint-Maximin playing on the left and Miguel Almiron on the right meaning it would be a surprise selection if the Swedish star is named in the starting XI.
Where does Anthony Gordon fit in for the Magpies?
Howe has cleverly integrated players such as Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman into the fold by patiently waiting for the right moment. Gordon had a 21 minute cameo against West Ham and did very well, setting up Callum Wilson and having a chance himself.
He took part in a rigorous running session after the game at St James' on Saturday night and has trained well this week but a place on the bench seems most likely for the new £45million signing. Although, again, Howe is usually capable of a shock when the team sheets are circulated.
How is the Wembley audition going in midfield?
Eddie hinted at places being "up for grabs" for the Wembley final against Manchester United last week with Bruno still suspended. The name of Elliot Anderson was thrown into the mix in the build-up to West Ham but Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock formed the midfield trio.
That doesn't suggest anything new or dramatic in just two games time is on the cards with Joelinton potentially being shoved back into the attack and Bruno reclaiming his place. But 180 minutes is a long time in football and Anderson could yet stake his claim with Jacob Murphy also involved heavily from the bench of late.
Joe Willock due a goal
The former Arsenal midfielder thought he'd ended his drought with a decent finish at the Gallowgate End against West Ham. But he would be denied by VAR as Miguel Almiron's cross had strayed out of play.
Willock last scored against Chelsea before the World Cup but has been working hard enough to get the goals his energetic display merit. Only Wilson and Almiron have had more shots than Willock who has 32 to his name this season.
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