Bournemouth (A): Pre-match thoughts, preferred XI, team news & predicted line-ups

by Olly Hawkins · Published 24 February 2018, 00:00

Whilst the win over Man Utd was massive and a much needed confidence boost for the team, the two week break and Islam Slimani injury blow has us coming into this one with a bit less momentum than I hoped we'd have.

That being said, this poses a huge opportunity for us to get another 3 points on the board against a Bournemouth side who lost 4-1 at Bournemouth in their last league outing.

It is worth mentioning, however, that they were unbeaten in their last 7 before that one, with their impressive run including wins at home to Arsenal and away to Chelsea. I'm fully expecting them to react from their recent hammering at Huddersfield, I just hope we can play with the same sort of intensity and heart that was shown two weeks ago at St James' Park.

Impressive displays from the likes of Lascelles, Dummett, Kenedy and Diame have occurred regularly over the past few weeks, but it's having the likes of Dubravka, Lejeune, Shelvey, Ritchie and Gayle stepping up once again today that could be key.

Let's hope we see that again today. This will be a very different game to the one we saw at St James' a few weeks ago, however it's our first of 11 cup finals in our bid to beat the drop.

We can't afford to take a very capable Bournemouth side lightly and must be at it from the off - especially when there's a few sides around us likely to pick up points this weekend with (Brighton vs Swansea / West Brom vs Huddersfield) and the fact that a trip to Anfield is next up for us..

Preferred XI

I'd make just one change from the side that beat Man Utd and that'd be Merino coming in for Perez. An unlikely alteration from Rafa, but I think it could work well..

Perez put in a decent shift against Man Utd, but still frustrated even though just about everyone else was at it that day. He’s ‘busy’, but his output isn’t enough – and today’s game could be decided by making the most of the big moments each side are presented with.

I also feel we should look at finding a place for Merino in the side. I watched him play in an advanced role for Spain U-21’s and he was brilliant. He has that quality on the ball and ability to drop the shoulder and glide past players, so I can see him being more than capable of playing ahead of the Shelvey and Diame.

I’m not backing on Benitez making this change, but I think it could work well.

Predicted NUFC XI – (4-2-3-1) – Dubravka– Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett – Diame, Shelvey – Ritchie, Perez, Kenedy– Gayle

The Opposition

A few to watch our for today:

Callum Wilson – On his day he's very difficult to deal with. Pace, power and an eye for goal.

Lewis Cook - A few Cherries fans have told me that England should be looking at this kid. They rate him highly so he's one to watch in midfield.

Charlie Daniels - An attack minded wing-back whose got a quality left foot. Yedlin and Ritchie will need to be on their guard.

Nathan Ake - He's not big for a centre-back but he's an impressive athlete, good on the ball and a danger from corners.

Predicted B'mouth XI – (3-4-2-1) – Begovic – Francis, Cook, Ake - Fraser, Gosling, Cook, Daniels - Ibe, Stanislas - Wilson.

For an inside look into this weekend’s opponents, take a look at the latest edition of the ‘Opposition Opinion’ . A great insight into today’s opponents from a Bournemouth fan.

Form

Newcastle – 13th (28 pts) – Last 5 in the league – Won: 1 / Drawn: 3 / Lost: 1

Bournemouth – 10th (31 pts) – Last 5 in the league – Won: 3 / Drawn: 1 / Lost: 1

Team news

Benitez confirmed Islam Slimani is OUT of this one, with the Algerian set for at least another two weeks on the sidelines.

Ciaran Clark is back in contention after overcoming a knee injury, however Jesus Gamez remains out (as ever).

For Eddie Howe, Jermaine Defoe is back in contention, although he's unlikely to come in from the start - even if he does have a worryingly good goal record against us recently.

Match Prediction

Bournemouth are a dangerous side when they have their tails up, with their recent home win over Arsenal or 3-0 win at Stamford bridge proving that they can blow teams away when they're 'at it'.

That being said, they can be got at (as Huddersfield's 4-1 win proved) if you unsettle them early, get in their faces and force mistakes out of them.

I don't see why we can't come away with all three points if the players put in another huge shifts and carefully follow Rafa's precise game plan, however I think this one might be a draw.

I see us coming out the traps quickly and taking the lead but failing to hold onto a lead. We don't seem to have that killer instinct and second goal in us (especially without Slimani).

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle

Howay the lads!