Newcastle vs Bournemouth Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

• Match: Newcastle United vs AFC Bournemouth
• Tournament: Premier League
• Date: Saturday,17 February
• Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM (GMT)
• Stadium: St James’ Park

Newcastle vs Bournemouth Preview

As matchday-25 in the Premier League rolls out, Newcastle United are set to take on Bournemouth. Newcastle will be rather disappointed not to be part of the midweek UCL knockout stages this week, following their premature exit in the group stage in early December. However, the exit has allowed them ample rest before games and they will continue their quest to finish in a top 5 spot as they host Bournemouth on Saturday. The Magpies have struggled recently, winning only 2 out of their last 7 Premier League games. A contest against 13th ranked Bournemouth will certainly offer Newcastle a chance to re energize their failing campaign for top 5. 

Meanwhile, Bournemouth continue to defy critics and prolong their stay in the Premier League. The club was promoted to the top tier of English football after a fantastic season in the Championship in 21/22. The Cherries have established themselves as a strong lower table team, and are aiming to finish 10th this season.

Andoni Iraola’s men have recently run into some problems, winning none of their last 5 battles in the league. As consolation, however, Andoni won’t be too worried as such a run was expected after a string of injuries. His team has also been in good form in front of goal as they have scored 8 goals in the last three games. Some positive signs for the Cherries amidst a run of bad games. 

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Team News

Newcastle United:

The Magpies under Eddie Howe have been nothing short of sensational. Newcastle have played fluid football and paired it with a hunger to win. Recently, they have endured a bad run of form with a leaky defense. Last week, they nearly lost the game against Nottingham Forest, but an inspired individual effort from Bruno Guimaraes helped them to a 3-2 victory. 

A lot of their on-field issues this season are a result of injuries and chaos surrounding the club like a death trap. Newcastle splashed big money in the summer to secure AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali. The signing was meant to be a statement. However, a month into the season, Tonali was found guilty of several gambling offenses. The Italian was banned from competitive football for a year and essentially will be missing in action till the start of next season. 

On the injuries front, Newcastle lost the cornerstone of their midfield, Joelinton, to a gruesome thigh injury in January. The Brazillian-origin midfielder is ruled out till early May. Goalkeeper Nick Pope also suffered a dislocated shoulder against Manchester United and will be out till April. Alexander Isak and Joseph Willock have sustained minor injuries as well and are ruled out for the game against The Cherries. Jacob Murphy might make it in time from his injury for the game. 

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson will be out for 12 weeks after requiring surgery on his pectoral tendon. The 31-year-old striker suffered the injury during his side’s 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest.

Bournemouth:

In the Bournemouth camp, things have been similar. Bournemouth come into the fixture at St. James’ Park with a massive 3-1 loss against Fulham. The Cherries looked tired in the match against Fulham and it seemed to be a direct result of their injuries. 

Tyler Adams will be a massive miss for Bournemouth with a thigh injury. Iraola’s right-back Max Aarons also sustained a muscle injury in January and isn’t expected to return anytime soon. An ankle injury will rule James Hill out till March. Meanwhile, Ryan Federicks’ calf injury continues to sideline him.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle Expected XI:

Martin Dúbravka (GK), Kieran Trippier(C), Fabian Schär, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Miguel Almirón, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon

Bournemouth Expected XI:

Neto (GK, C), Adam Smith, Illia Zabarnyi, Marcos Senesi, Lloyd Kelly, Ryan Christie, Lewis Cook, Marcus Tavernier, Justin Kulivert, Luis Sinisterra, Dominic Solanke

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Newcastle United have faced AFC Bournemouth 18 times. Overall, Newcastle United have a slightly better record, winning 7 out of the 18 battles, while losing 6. 5 matches between the two teams have ended in draws.

Last five results:

• AFC Bournemouth 2-0 Newcastle United:- Premier League – 11 November, 2023
• AFC Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle United:- Premier League – 11 February 2023
• Newcastle United 1-0 AFC Bournemouth:- EFL Carabao Cup – 21 December, 2022
• Newcastle United 1-1 AFC Bournemouth:- Premier League – 17 September, 2022
• AFC Bournemouth 1-4 Newcastle United:- Premier League – 1 July, 2020 

Prediction:

Both teams head into the fixture in similar form and will look to end their string of poor performances with a victory. Despite a long list of injuries, Newcastle United will back themselves to come away with three points at home. Bournemouth will look to defend in a compact mid-block and look to exploit any gaps behind the leaky Newcastle defense.

Given Newcastle’s attacking prowess and Bournemouth’s recent run of form in front of goal, the game is expected to be a goal fest. Pundits expect Newcastle to win the fixture and build on their campaign for the top 5.

Predicted Score: Newcastle 3-1 Bournemouth

Betting Tips:

Bookmakers expect Newcastle to win quite comfortably. 

• Newcastle win:- 1.85
• Draw:- 4.40
• Bournemouth:- 4.20
• Odds Source: Oddspedia.com

Where to watch Newcastle United vs AFC Bournemouth:

• India: Hotstar, Star Sports Select
• England: Sky Sports, BT Sport
• USA: FuboTV, NBC Sports

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