Bournemouth travel to St. James’ Park on Saturday to play Newcastle. The Cherries are coming off of a 2-1 loss to Manchester United in which they gave up a late winner last weekend. Bournemouth were nearly able to take a point off of the Red Devils, showing just how improved they are this term.
Bournemouth are sixth in the Premier League and just three points back of fifth place Arsenal. Newcastle are 11 places lower in the table and are only outside the relegation zone thanks to goal difference.
Rafael Benitez’s team won for the first time this season against Watford last weekend. The 1-0 win came as a bit of a shock due to Watford’s form. Newcastle will hope they can continue against a very good Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe’s team has picked up nine points from 15 on the road this term. It is the seventh best points total in terms of away form. Bournemouth have struck the back of the net nine times on the road, but have conceded seven.
The away goals stat is a slightly misleading as Bournemouth conceded six of those seven goals in just two games. Bournemouth’s last two away matches, both wins, ended in clean sheets.
Newcastle are the Premier League’s second worst team when it comes to home form. The Magpies have won three points from 18. They have registered a –5-goal difference conceding nine times.
Bournemouth have won two of their four meetings with Newcastle. The Magpies have claimed victory just once. Bournemouth have gained positive results in their last three matches against Newcastle. The Cherries won twice against Newcastle at St. James’ Park before drawing their last game against them at the Vitality Stadium.
Leading sportsbooks see Bournemouth as the slight favourite. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in eight of Bournemouth's last nine away league games. Despite goals being scored in Bournemouth’s matches, Newcastle’s games haven’t seen quite as many. There have been under 2.5 goals scored in five of Newcastle's last six Premier League games.
Newcastle may be without several key players due to injury. Yoshinori Muto and Jonjo Shelvey could both sit out with injury. They will be assessed closer to kick off. Without the pair, Newcastle will struggle even more to overcome a plucky Bournemouth team. The Cherries are playing very well this season. They have improved greatly this term and will continue winning against Newcastle on Saturday.