Newcastle United will take on Bournemouth away from home after a bit of pandemonium against Everton last weekend, and will hope to continue their upward surge in the Premier League table.
Only three points separate Newcastle from Bournemouth, and should the Magpies beat the Cherries come Saturday, they will move above them and up to 12th in the league table.
Rafa Benitez’s side are in a good run of form, having lost just once in the last five league games, and will look to take advantage of Bournemouth’s patchy form.
Although Eddie Howe’s side won their last game, it was only against Huddersfield, a team who are destined for Championship football next season.
Newcastle United Team News
The Magpies will have to make do without Fabian Schar as the Switzerland international is suspended and will miss the clash. In his absence, we expect Benitez to use Ciaran Clark at the back.
Jamaal Lascelles has also been ruled out, which means Benitez might switch to a back four.
Jonjo Shelvey is also back and made a substitute appearance against Everton. The former Liverpool man is in line to start against Bournemouth.
Predicted Newcastle United Lineup vs Everton
Defence
The duo of Clark and Florian Lejeune are likely to line up at the heart of the defence. Schar’s absence will be a miss as has done a good job marauding with the ball from the defence.
DeAndre Yedlin and Paul Dummett might feature as the full-backs in a back four, while Martin Dubravka will guard the sticks.
Midfield
Matt Ritchie had a mixed game against Everton as he missed a penalty and was at fault for one of the goals Newcastle conceded, but after the introduction of Paul Dummett, he showed his ability in attack and put in some tremendous crosses into the box.
We expect Ritchie to keep his place in the Newcastle United lineup, but in a midfield three.
Shelvey and Isaac Hayden should complete the midfield, and the former is likely to be given the licence to burst forward. His passing ability will also be useful against a Bournemouth team who aren’t as good in the transition from attack to defence.
Attack
The trio of Ayoze Perez, Miguel Almiron, and Salomon Rondon are in good form and should keep their place in attack.
Almiron has done plenty of good work, but is yet to open his account for the Magpies. The travelling Newcastle fans will hope he can come Saturday.
