Eddie Howe and Callum Wilson of Newcastle United return to the Vitality stadium this Saturday, where they will look to defeat Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth. In the Premier League last season, both matches concluded in a 1-1 draw and the Cherries will look to frustrate the Magpies once again.
Bournemouth
The introduction of Iraola at the start of the season was completed with the view that the Spaniard would take the Cherries up a level, with innovative ideas and a fresh outlook. However after 11 matches, Bournemouth sit in 18th place, with one win and a rather unclear approach, that does not offer much attacking threat or defensive security. The Cherries concede the second most goals in the Premier League (27), whilst also scoring the second fewest goals (9). Luckily for the Bournemouth faithful, they perform marginally better at home, even though they score an average of 0.67 per game at the Vitality.
Last time out, Bournemouth were completely stunned by the pure brilliance of Jeremy Doku's directness, pace and fearless attitude. Manchester City won the tie 6-1, with the Belgian scoring once and registering four assists. Luis Sinisterra scored the Cherries goal, with a composed finish under Ederson, but it was only a consolation.
Bournemouth will have to be prepared to endure long spells without the ball this weekend, but they must be brave when they are in possession and look to play forward to the wingers. Iraola went for a back five last week and they struggled to get out, but this week they should opt for a 4-2-3-1. Newcastle have been vulnerable on the counter over the last few away matches in particular and the Cherries will have to take advantage of that, as well as set pieces.
Newcastle
Eddie Howe's side have not lost in the Premier League since the second of September and after 11 matches, they sit in sixth on 20 points. Newcastle have had a solid start to the new campaign, but the congested fixtures seems to have taken its toll on the Magpies, with six key players missing due to injury. St James' Park has become a fortress where tackles are celebrated like goals, and the fans serve as a 12th man regardless of the result. Luckily for them, Newcastle have won five of their six home matches this season and 75% of their overall points have been earned whilst hosting. Therefore, the away form is an issue that Howe will need to address as a matter of urgency, with the side only winning away from home once in five attempts.
Newcastle secured their spot as the second highest goal-scorers last time out in the Premier League, netting their 27th of the season in a huge 1-0 win over Arsenal. The game was filled with controversy, with two potential red card worthy challenges and a goal that very well could have been disallowed. The Magpies put everything into that victory over the Gunners and it showed in the Champions League this week, as they lost 2-0 to Dortmund in Germany.
Bruno Guimaraes is suspended for the game at the weekend, which is a massive blow to Howe's approach. The Brazilian acts as a deep-lying playmaker, using his passing range and dribbling to open up opponents, but Newcastle do not have anyone in the squad that can mirror his style. Newcastle will rely on Kieran Trippier's delivery from set pieces, as Bournemouth have struggled from crosses into the box this season.
Verdict?
As long as Newcastle can prevent the Bournemouth counter attacks, they should have enough quality to win this game. Howe will demand that his side bounce back from the mid-week defeat in Europe and they will expect to dominate. However, an early goal for the Cherries will make the tie much more challenging.
The final prediction is Bournemouth 0-2 Newcastle.
