The State of Play
Eddie Howe has created an extremely fun style of football at St James’ Park with Newcastle United also rediscovering a bit of form that has seen the get back into challenging for a top seven finish and European qualification. The Magpies’ 24 matches so far this season have consisted of a remarkable 90 goals as they come into this one on the back of a 3-2 win away to Nottingham Forest last weekend.
AFC Bournemouth are also one of the more entertaining teams in the league, too, down at Dean Court. The Cherries are now winless, though, in their last five matches after they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend. Coached by former Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth’s 23 games in the top-flight have had 75 goals come in them, conceding 44.
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Team News
Eddie Howe is dealing with several injury issues but The Magpies did welcome back former Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes last week. They remain without Sandro Tonali due to suspension and Joelinton is also out injured.
Bournemouth have had to deal with some really key players throughout this campaign and The Cherries are once again missing players. Both Max Aarons and Tyler Adams remain among those unavailable.
Expected Line-ups
Newcastle: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Miley; Almiron, Wilson, Gordon
Bournemouth: Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kelly; Christie, Cook; Tavernier, Scott, Sinisterra; Solanke
What they Said
Eddie Howe heaped praise on Brazilian international midfielder Bruno Guimaraes last weekend, who has been linked with a move away in the summer. He described him as the ‘difference maker’ after their win against Forest.
Andoni Iraola has said that he needs his Cherries side to be more ‘ruthless’ after their defeat to Fulham, highlighting the fact his side will continue to play their same progressive and proactive style of football.
When and How to Watch
This match will be played at St James’ Park at 15:00 on Saturday February 17th but will not be televised live on the UK. It will also, therefore not be able to be streamed live in the UK.
Prediction
As mentioned, Newcastle United have had 90 goals come in their 24 games and their goal scoring rate has only increased in this calendar year. In five matches in the Premier League so far this season, both teams have scored in all of Newcastle’s games with those five games consisting of a combined total of 28 goals. Bournemouth will go to the north east and try to play their way out of bad form so a high-scoring affair would appear likely for this one.