Newcastle United play host to Bournemouth in a reduced fixture schedule on Saturday afternoon at their St James’ Park with the hosts looking to put an end to a five-match drought which consists of four draws and a defeat.
Newcastle United started the new Premier League season in winning fashion as they saw off newcomers, Nottingham Forest, with a 2-0 home win on the opening weekend of the season but Eddie Howe’s side have since stuttered and stumbled to a further four points by way of their four stalemates.
Points picked up in draws with Brighton, Manchester City, Wolves and Crystal Palace have at least given The Magpies something for their troubles.
And although they were handed a 2-1 loss away from home at Liverpool, Newcastle nevertheless gave a good account of themselves.
The bigger picture shows Newcastle have lost just three of their last 14 matches overall in the Premier League as Eddie Howe’s influence has started to bear fruit in the north-east and he comes up against one of his old clubs on Saturday in the shape of Bournemouth.
Goalkeeper, Darlow, defender Krafth and midfielder Shelvey still remain sidelined while Guimaraes, Saint-Maximin and Wilson may be doubts for the hosts.
Onto Bournemouth and the south coast club have seemingly steadied the ship following their 9-0 humiliation at the hands of Liverpool a few weeks ago as The Cherries have since picked up four points from the last possible six on offer.
Bournemouth also made a winning start to this new Premier League season as they recorded a 2-0 home win against Aston Villa but three heavy defeats followed which ultimately cost former manager, Scott Parker, his job at the club.
Losses to Manchester City 4-0, Arsenal 3-0 and the 9-0 defeat to Liverpool was too much for the board at Bournemouth and Parker was given his marching orders.
But the visitors have since staged a recovery by picking up a point in a 0-0 draw at home with Wolves and then recording their second win of the season with a 3-2 win away from home at Nottingham Forest last time out.
Bournemouth will be boosted by the win at Forest as they were 2-0 down but bounced back to take the points with an emphatic comeback.
So they will be in reasonably high spirits ahead of this long trip up to the north-east.
Midfield trio, Brookes, Pearson and Rothwell have been ruled out while Stanislas is rated as doubtful.
Newcastle with home advantage should take the three points here.