Newcastle will host Bournemouth on Saturday, November 4th at a packed St-James Park. It is a Premier League clash. The 9th placed Geordies will take on the Cherries, who lie second from bottom.
Newcastle United vs Bournemouth
Bournemouth News
Predicted team: Asmir Begovic, Simon Francis, Steve Cook, Nathan Ake, Adam Smith, Lewis Cook, Andrew Surman, Charlie Daniels, Junior Stanislas, Benik Afobe, Jermain Defoe,
It was March 2016 when these two sides last met. A free-flowing Bournemouth swept aside a very poor Newcastle side bereft of ideas. It ultimately ended the Steve McLaren’s ill-fated reign on Tyneside. Eddie Howe at that time was seen as a future England manager. However, following seven out of ten defeats so far this term and in the relegation zone, the Bournemouth manager’s stock has fallen severely. It went unnoticed but his name had not been linked to recent vacancies at Everton and Leicester. This also indicates that there is now a question mark over the former centre-half.
Bournemouth fans have been frustrated with their defence and their failure to put up a fight against a Chelsea side well below their best. The Cherries have struggled for goals. Marquee signing Jermaine Defoe has only scored once. Last year’s top scorer Joshua King only has two goals. Nathan Ake has not been as solid since he made his loan move permanent. With Mings and Smith still out, left-back does seem a problem position for the seaside outfit.
Newcastle News
Predicted team Rob Elliot, Deandre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune, Javier Manquillo, Mikel Merino, Jonjo Shelvey, Christian Atsu, Ayoze Perez, Matt Ritchie, Joselu
Newcastle will be smarting from their lethargic and lack-luster performance at Turf Moor on Monday and will be aiming to get back on track. Fans on Tyneside have been demanding the return of the eccentric and ill-disciplined Alexander Mitrovic. They feel Joselu has not provided the presence or goalscoring threat to lead the line. The Spaniard has only found the net on two occasions. His goal against Liverpool was more down to luck than technique.
Rafa Benitez will be looking to continue the good home form with three wins in the last four. He is hoping that Mikel Merino’s return to the centre of midfield will provide the creativity they lacked at Burnley. Paul Dummett remains the only player to be ruled out for the Magpies. Matt Ritchie will have added motivation against his old side Bournemouth where he had a successful three-year spell including two joyous promotions
Prediction-Newcastle win 2-0
I predict that Bournemouth will be unable to resist the Magpies and in so continuing the massive transformation at which Rafa Benitez has masterminded.
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