Prediction: Newcastle vs Bournemouth

Prediction: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 9/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

The dust is beginning to settle on the World Cup and now, it’s time to dive straight back into the world of domestic football. Before the Premier League gets back underway on Boxing Day, a host of League Cup fixtures will be coming our way this week. Today, we’re going to take a look at a classic battle between north and south as Newcastle United go head to head with Bournemouth in the fourth round.

Newcastle

Newcastle United have been one of the surprise packages of the season so far, although you could argue their success hasn’t been a surprise at all considering the financial assistance they’ve been receiving since being taken over. Eddie Howe has helped turn this into a squad full of winners and given the momentum they’ve built up, it’s scary to think just how much they could accomplish before the end of the season.

Bournemouth

The introduction of Gary O’Neil as the club’s permanent manager has been a welcome change from the uncertainty they were experiencing for weeks prior. Alas, their fanbase is well aware of the fact that they’re still likely to be involved in a relegation battle between now and May. With that in mind, it should be pretty interesting to see how they approach their first game back since the winter break.

Factors to Consider

• Newcastle are 3rd in the Premier League whereas Bournemouth are 14th.
• Newcastle have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Bournemouth have won two and lost four of their last six games.
• Newcastle have scored 12 goals and conceded two in their last six games.
• Bournemouth have scored 12 goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.

Conclusion

An all-Premier League tie is always tough to judge in the League Cup given how different their respective priorities may be. Either way, though, it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which either team is at full strength, or particularly match-ready given the recent break. Still, the hosts are stronger throughout their squad, and the Cherries have a long way to travel – lending us to the belief that Newcastle will edge out a 1-0 win.

Prediction: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 9/20

Bookmaker: 888sport