Bournemouth (H): Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction
After a nervy, but ultimately resounding 3-2 win away to Forest - sealed by a brilliant Bruno brace - Newcastle look to go four league matches unbeaten in a remarkable turnaround of form following a dismal December.
But, as this is Newcastle, of course the time between games has been filled with more injury bad news and a proposed departure from the club.
Following Jim Ratcliffe's Manchester United ownership stake being confirmed, it emerged that he wanted to bring Toon director of football Dan Ashworth with him to Old Trafford in a deal which is believed to be seven figures in compensation. However, Newcastle do not want to see Ashworth go for a small fee.
It has been claimed there have been ‘moments of friction’ due to Eddie Howe’s ‘already-established authority’, with the former Brighton chief arriving at the club over six months on from Howe’s appointment.
Nevertheless, football is not played in the boardroom and there is the small matter of welcoming Howe's former employers Bournemouth to Tyneside on Saturday. Howe expects a "good game" in the Premier League clash.
"They had some really good results, including a 3-0 win at Old Trafford. They have direct threats that we need to be aware of. It should be a good game," Howe said.
"We are on a good run of form; we won last week. We are chasing that winning feeling, and however we get there we will accept it, it is something we are looking to do again this weekend."
Howe will have to chase the winning feeling without number 9 Callum Wilson for at least 12 weeks as the Toon boss confirmed the forward was to undergo surgery on a pectoral injury. The news will come as a blow to the Englishman who was looking to find a way back into the national side ahead of the summer's Euros in Germany. Wilson was a part of the 2022 World Cup squad and provided an assist for Jack Grealish in a 6-2 win over Iran.
Team news
Wilson is out for 12 weeks after undergoing surgery but Howe is confident he will play again this season.
Isak is "close" to return but is unlikely to feature on Saturday. The same can be said of Joe Willock who is nearing a return from an Achilles injury which has seen him out of action since the last time Newcastle met Bournemouth.
Jacob Murphy has not trained this week and Elliott Anderson and Matt Targett are less than two weeks away from a return to training.
Long term absentees Nick Pope (injury) and Sandro Tonali (suspension) have no new updates.
For the Cherries, midfielder and Toon transfer target Philip Billing is suspended. The south coast side will also be without the injured James Hill, Tyler Adams, Max Aarons and Ryan Fredericks.
Predicted XI - Dubravka – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Miley – Almiron, Gordon, Barnes.
Again, a debate will be had over the left back position. But I believe Howe will stick with his first choice in Burn. The defender from Blyth is part of the leadership group and trusted among management, even if supporters have been crying out for Tino Livramento to play.
Wilson and Isak both being out necessitates a start for Harvey Barnes as Anthony Gordon moves into the middle. It will certainly be interesting to see their combinations in the channels. The midfield should remain unchanged, but Bruno is one yellow card away from suspension so is walking a tightrope.
Prediction - Newcastle 2-1 Bournemouth
It will be a game where Newcastle will need to be defensively solid and watch Dom Solanke like a hawk. Schar and Botman will need to find their form from last season very quickly and Trippier and Burn cannot afford any mistakes with the Cherries' quick and tricky wingers.
Harvey Barnes has looked a real threat since his return and I would expect him to have a handful of chances.
If we put in a good defensive performance we should beat Bournemouth. Our good form of late should carry into this match too.
