Bidding to build on their impressive recent results, Newcastle United entertain Bournemouth at St James’ Park in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Magpies extended their unbeaten run to four games across all competitions with a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest at City Ground last weekend. Eddie Howe’s men are starting to put together a decent run of form that has moved them up to seventh in the table, although 11 points separate them from fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
On Saturday, the Toon Army will be eyeing revenge over Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, who won the reverse fixture 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium in November.
Newcastle United Team News
Newcastle United were dealt a new injury concern in the closing stages of the game at Nottingham Forest when Callum Wilson suffered an arm problem. As a result, the club are set to make a late call on whether the English striker will be involved against Bournemouth. In addition, Jacob Murphy was unusable at City Ground after feeling a tight calf in the warm-up, so the winger’s availability also remains in doubt.
Alexander Isak has missed the last two matches with a recurring groin issue and looks set to miss the visit of Bournemouth as well. Meanwhile, Joelinton, Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Elliot Anderson and Joe Willock are all ruled out.
Predicted Newcastle United lineup vs Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
A sure-shot starter in goal for Newcastle, Martin Dubravka will aim to keep a clean sheet against Bournemouth at home after conceding seven goals in the last three Premier League games.
Defence
Eddie Howe is unlikely to tinker with the back four that started against Forest last weekend, meaning Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn are hoped to retain their spots.
Schar will continue partnering Botman in central defence, with Trippier and Burn operating as the full-backs. The Magpies’ defensive quartet must stay compact in shape and provide more protection for goalkeeper Dubravka on Saturday.
Midfield
Fresh from a brace against Forest, Bruno Guimaraes will fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet at the weekend. Operating as a lone pivot, the Brazilian could look to venture forward and get himself in promising positions to score again.
Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff are expected to join Bruno in Newcastle’s engine room. Eddie Howe will hope the trio take control of the game as early as possible and dominate the proceedings.
Attack
Callum Wilson’s potential injury absence should see Anthony Gordon lead the line against the Cherries. Gordon, who has been the Magpies’ standout performer this season, will hope to impress centrally, flanked by Harvey Barnes and Miguel Almiron.
If Jacob Murphy is deemed fit this time around, he might feature off the bench.
