Prediction: Newcastle vs Bournemouth

Verdict: Newcastle to win and under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 10/3

Bookmaker: Bet 365

Newcastle United will be hoping to get back to winning ways as they entertain Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Newcastle

Despite last week’s disappointing 1-0 loss the Burnley, Newcastle have made a great start to life in the Premier League this season and currently sit in ninth place. The Magpies have turned St James Park into somewhat of a fortress after recording three wins and draw from their five games, scoring at least one goal on four occasions. However, their performances in the last couple of games may be of slight concern to fans after struggling to hit any real momentum, and having to rely on a late winner to beat a poor Crystal Palace team. It is now just one win in five matches but manager Rafa Benitez will know the importance of maintaining their form at home if they are to have a successful season. Teams with the Spaniard in charge will always focus on a strong, defensive approach which is why they have only conceded nine goals so far and could mean we are in for another tight game when they play Bournemouth on Saturday.

Team News

Paul Dummett remains the only player on the sidelines as Benitez looks for his second home win on the bounce.

Jacob Murphy and Dwight Gayle are pushing for starts after making the bench against Burnley.

Bournemouth

Despite currently sitting second-bottom in the Premier League, Bournemouth have been showing steady signs of improvement since their run of four straight defeats at the start of the season. The Cherries have beaten Brighton and Stoke, drew with Leicester and showed encouragement in their one goal losses to Tottenham and Chelsea. However, it is still only one win in five matches and Eddie Howe’s men seem to struggle in creating chances for themselves. Bournemouth have managed just six goals in their 10 games in the league which is a dreadful return and even the acquisition of proven goal scorer Jermain Defoe has not addressed their problems. They have the second-worst attack in the division, behind Crystal Palace, and Howe knows he will need to rapidly improve this if they are to avoid relegation. The English manager will be in for a tough game against Newcastle, especially as the Cherries have conceded eight goals away from home this season, an average of two per game.

Team News

Tyrone Mings and Brad Smith are ruled out of the match.

However, Callum Wilson looks set to return and Josh King may also make the squad.

Key Factors to Consider

• The Magpies haven’t beaten Bournemouth at St James Park since 1990 – they’ve drawn one and lost one since then
• Benitez has managed five Premier League games for Newcastle on a Saturday and won all of them
• Bournemouth won their last league game away at Stoke, but have only managed back-to-back victories in the competition once before
• The Cherries have made their worst start to a Premier League campaign after 10 games
• Jermain Defoe has scored on each of his last three visits to St James Park

Conclusion

Newcastle’s form at St James Park this season and Bournemouth’s lack of firepower up front may be enough for the home to get three points. However, as with a lot of Benitez games, it could be tight and we’re probably also looking at under 2.5 goals.

Verdict: Newcastle to win and under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 10/3

Bookmaker: Bet 365